Starting July 1, 2026, European Union regulations have introduced new customs rules affecting online purchases from non-EU countries, particularly impacting popular Chinese platforms such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. These changes aim to address concerns about the mass importation of low-cost goods from China and to level the playing field between European and Asian e-commerce businesses. Under the new system, a flat customs duty of three euros will be applied per item category in each shipment valued under 150 euros. This means that a customer purchasing one shirt, pants, and a pair of shoes would face a total additional charge of nine euros, while buying three shirts would incur just three euros in extra fees. The regulation applies to all items imported from outside the EU, regardless of their value, but the impact is most noticeable on lower-priced items where the added cost represents a larger proportion of the final price.
The new rules also affect how customs duties are calculated. Previously, small shipments were exempt from customs duties, with customers only paying VAT (Value Added Tax). Now, these shipments will be subject to both VAT and the new flat customs fee. However, the VAT calculation remains unchanged, and major online retailers are part of the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system, which allows them to collect VAT at the time of purchase. This means that customers generally won’t need to pay VAT again upon delivery. The new customs fee is separate and will be levied when the goods enter the EU.
Customs officials emphasize that large e-commerce platforms typically handle these charges transparently. They ensure that the final price displayed includes all applicable duties, making it easier for consumers to understand the total cost before completing their purchase. Smaller sellers might pass the costs onto buyers directly, either by including them in product prices or adding them during checkout. For example, some platforms have already integrated the new customs fee into their shopping carts, ensuring that customers see the full amount upfront.
In Slovenia, Posta Slovenije has confirmed that packages arriving from within the EU will not be subject to the new customs fee. However, items coming from non-EU countries will still incur the three-euro charge per item category. Posta Slovenije also notes that returning goods purchased online will no longer allow for the reimbursement of previously paid customs duties unless the returned item is defective or does not meet the order specifications. This change aims to streamline the return process and reduce administrative burdens on customs authorities.
The implementation date for the new customs rules is based on the moment the package enters the customs process rather than the date of the order. This means that even orders placed before July 1 could be subject to the new customs fee if they are processed after this date. This detail is crucial for consumers who might consider rushing their orders to avoid the new charges, but it's important to note that this strategy may not work due to the timing of customs processing.
The temporary nature of the new customs fee suggests that the EU is working towards a more permanent solution for taxing such imports, which is expected to be finalized by 2028. In the meantime, the immediate effect is that online shoppers can expect slightly higher costs for their purchases from non-EU countries, especially for lower-value items. The number of such shipments has been decreasing over recent years, according to data from the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, indicating a possible shift in consumer behavior or market dynamics.
The new regulations are intended to create fairer competition among e-commerce businesses and to enhance oversight of cross-border trade. While the changes may lead to increased costs for consumers, they are seen as necessary steps to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards that European companies must adhere to. As the situation evolves, further developments regarding the enforcement of these new customs rules and their broader economic implications remain under observation.
6 reports
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 807 days agoThe European Union has implemented a new system starting today that increases customs duties by up to nine euros for purchases from Chinese online retailers like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein. The change affects customers who buy multiple items from these platforms, requiring them to pay additional fees. However, some platforms have already integrated these charges into their shopping carts, while others, such as Shein, offer a 'European warehouse' category to avoid tariffs. According to officials, packages will be taxed at the first entry point within the EU, often Hungary, meaning Slovenian Post may not charge extra fees for Temu deliveries. Other sellers may include the duty in product prices or calculate it within the cart. Experts suggest large retailers will handle the process for consumers, ensuring transparency in final pricing.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a new EU regulation affecting e-commerce without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from officials and explains both the implementation and potential impacts without taking a clear ideological stance. While the topic involves international/
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Provides clear examples of how the new customs duty will affect purchases, aligns with other reports, and includes quotes from officials.
DomovinaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808 days agoThe European Union has introduced new rules effective July 1st, which apply to the importation of small packages from third countries. These changes primarily target the influx of cheap goods from China, particularly affecting popular e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. Under the new regulations, purchases valued under €150 will now incur a fixed customs duty of €3 per product category, replacing the previous exemption from customs duties. While Value Added Tax (VAT) remains unchanged, the new measure aims to level the playing field between European and Asian online retailers by increasing costs for cheaper items. The EU Commission has highlighted concerns over the rapid growth of low-cost imports from China, arguing that European businesses face stricter safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards compared to many products from third countries.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the new EU regulations as a balanced policy aimed at addressing market imbalances without overtly criticizing either European or Asian businesses. It explains the rationale behind the change, including regulatory pressures on European companies and the need for fair competition,
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Clear explanation of the new customs duty, exceptions, and implications for consumers. Matches other reports closely.
Slovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8010 days agoStarting July 1, 2026, Slovenia will implement new customs regulations for goods valued at up to €150 arriving from non-EU countries. In addition to VAT, a temporary customs fee of €3 per item will apply, calculated based on individual items listed in the customs declaration rather than the total package. This change affects online purchases from platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, which are known for low prices. The new rules mean that even orders placed before July 1, 2026, could be subject to these fees if processed after that date. Additionally, returns of goods purchased online will no longer allow for the refund of previously paid import duties unless the product is incomplete or does not match the order.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about upcoming customs regulations without overtly favoring any political perspective. It explains the changes neutrally, citing official explanations from Pošta Slovenija, and provides context about the impact on consumers and e-commerce. There is no evident
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Accurate description of new customs rules, including temporary duty of €3 per item, exceptions for goods already in EU, and changes to returns. Some details like specific examples of items (majic, dežnik) are included but not essential for factuality.
N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days agoStarting Wednesday, purchases from Chinese online marketplaces such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress will cost more due to new customs regulations in the European Union. The updated rules introduce a temporary customs duty of three euros per item in a shipment valued at up to 150 euros. This applies regardless of whether the purchase was made through the IOSS system, where VAT is paid upfront, or via standard customs procedures. The fee does not apply if the goods are already located within Slovenia or another EU country at the time of ordering. Additionally, the new rules limit the type of customs representation available, potentially increasing associated costs. Consumers are advised to verify that items are indeed shipped from an EU member state before purchasing. The temporary duty is expected to remain in effect until the EU reaches a permanent agreement on taxing such imports, likely by 2028.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual explanation of new EU customs regulations affecting online shopping, without overtly favoring any political side. It explains the changes neutrally, citing official sources and outlining both the implications and exceptions of the new rules.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Consistent with other sources on the temporary duty, exceptions, and IOSS process. Uses similar phrasing as others, slightly more emphasis on the impact on consumers.
DemokracijaParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days agoStarting Wednesday, online purchases of goods from non-EU countries valued under €150 will become more expensive due to new customs regulations. Under these rules, customs duties will generally be calculated based on the customs declaration, regardless of whether the purchase was made through the special import arrangement IOSS (where VAT is paid at the time of order) or via standard customs procedures. The temporary duty of €3 per item will apply to all items in a package, with additional costs depending on the number of items. This change limits indirect representation by customs agents, increasing associated fees. Goods already located in Slovenia or another EU country at the time of ordering will be exempt from this duty. Additionally, the possibility of refunding customs duties and VAT for returned goods under €150 has been eliminated, except in cases of defective or non-compliant products. The effective date for calculating customs duties is the date of customs clearance, not the order date. The €3 duty on imports from third countries, especially platforms like Temu, Shein, or AliExpress, is temporary and will remain in effect until the EU agrees on a permanent solution,预计 in
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual explanation of new customs regulations without overtly favoring any political side. It outlines changes in customs procedures, exemptions, and their implications but does not include subjective commentary or biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Matches other reports on the new customs rules, mentions the intent behind the change, and includes details about checking origin of goods. Slightly less detailed than others.
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days agoThe article explains changes to customs regulations in the European Union effective Wednesday, which introduce a temporary customs duty of three euros per item in online purchases from third countries valued under 150 euros, in addition to VAT. The duty applies to items not already present in Slovenia or another EU country. It outlines that customs duties will be calculated per item in the package, with costs increasing based on the number of items. The article also mentions higher fees for customs representation due to new rules limiting intermediary services. Consumers are advised to verify the origin of goods before purchasing, as some sellers may falsely claim EU-based operations. The new rules eliminate the possibility of reversing customs declarations due to returns and restrict refund claims to specific cases within one year of import. The customs declaration date, not the order date, determines the application of the new duty. The measure is temporary and will remain in effect until 2028 unless replaced by permanent regulations. Statistics show a decrease in such packages compared to previous years.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about EU customs regulation changes without overtly favoring any political stance. It provides balanced explanations of the new rules, their implications, and advises consumers on verification processes. There is no clear ideological leaning in the framing or
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Detailed and consistent with other sources on the temporary duty, exceptions, and cost implications. Includes practical advice for consumers.
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