Nakupujete na Temuju, Sheinu ali AliExpressu? Novembra se obetajo novi stroški, poceni nakupi bodo še dražji

Starting November 1, 2026, purchases made through online retailers such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress could become significantly more expensive due to new customs fees. According to the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (Furs), a new processing fee of two euros per item in a shipment will be introduced for goods imported from outside the European Union, regardless of the shipment’s value. The new fee adds to an existing temporary customs duty of three euros per item for shipments valued at less than 150 euros. This means that for each item in a shipment under 150 euros, buyers would face a combined total of five euros in additional costs before adding VAT. For example, a shipment containing three distinct items would incur 15 euros in duties and fees, excluding VAT. According to data released by Furs, the number of shipments from non-EU countries has already dropped by approximately 40 percent since the introduction of the three-euro customs duty in July 2026. This decline suggests that consumers have been reacting to increased costs, though it is unclear how much of this drop can be directly attributed to the added financial burden. The new processing fee is part of a broader overhaul of European customs legislation aimed at covering the rising costs associated with handling a large volume of e-commerce packages. These costs include verifying data, assessing risks, and conducting inspections. The fee of two euros per item has been approved, and the European Commission will review its appropriateness every two years to ensure it aligns with actual operational expenses. The new regulation is set to take effect on November 1, 2026, according to Furs. Consumers are advised to carefully check final prices when making online purchases, as seemingly inexpensive items might become considerably more costly after including all applicable duties and taxes. For shipments over 150 euros, the new processing fee will apply alongside standard customs duties and VAT. This means that even higher-value orders will see an increase in cost, as the processing fee is applied per item, not based on the overall shipment value. The entity responsible for paying these fees is typically the seller or importer who handles the logistics of the purchase. However, these costs may ultimately be passed on to the consumer, depending on the seller's pricing strategy. It is crucial for buyers to verify the origin of the goods being purchased. Just because a website uses the Slovenian language and displays prices in euros does not necessarily mean the product originates within the EU. Buyers should confirm the shipping location and terms of sale to understand whether the goods are sourced from within or outside the EU. The European Union faces increasing pressure from the sheer volume of small online shipments, which requires extensive administrative work and oversight. The new processing fee aims to help finance these operations while ensuring continued efficiency in customs procedures.