EU’s New Import Tax Squeezes AliExpress, Shein Shoppers: Orders Double in Cost

The European Union has implemented a new tariff on low-value shipments from outside the bloc, a move that is dramatically increasing the cost of purchases from popular online retailers like AliExpress, Shein, and Temu. This new tax, informally referred to as the ‘Shein tax,’ has already led to orders costing more than double their original price, with additional fees anticipated in the autumn.

The ‘De Minimis’ Doctrine Abolished

For years, the European Union operated under the ‘de minimis’ doctrine, which exempted shipments below a certain value from import duties and taxes. This policy allowed e-commerce platforms, particularly those based in China, to offer highly competitive prices. However, this exemption has been abolished, mirroring a similar move by the United States in February of the previous year. The European Commission stated that the ‘de minimis’ exemption was an “obsolete tariff exemption that is no longer justified and that, in practice, grants a competitive advantage to certain business models.” The EU anticipates generating approximately 1 billion euros annually from this new tariff.

How the New Tax Works

The new tariff imposes a fixed charge of 3 euros per product category on all small packages valued at under 150 euros originating from outside the EU. This means that the cost is not per package, but per distinct type of item within a single order. For instance, ordering four identical t-shirts would incur a single 3 euro charge. However, if an order includes a t-shirt, a cat toy, and a pair of shoes, the additional tariff would amount to 9 euros (3 euros for each product category).

A simulation conducted by Xataka Móvil highlighted the significant impact of this new regulation. A sample order totaling 14.91 euros saw its final price jump to 33.05 euros upon checkout, with 18.14 euros attributed to the new taxes and fees – an increase that more than doubled the original cost of the goods.

Upcoming Processing Fees

The changes are not stopping with the initial tariff. The European Union is preparing to introduce a further customs processing fee this autumn. While the exact amount and the precise date of implementation are yet to be determined, the European Commission has indicated that this additional charge will be applied to customs processing. This suggests that the total cost for consumers ordering from international e-commerce sites could rise even further.

Strategies for Cost-Conscious Shopping

With the end of the low-value shipment exemption, consumers can no longer afford to fill their online carts without careful consideration of the total cost. To mitigate the impact of these new tariffs, shoppers are advised to adopt new purchasing habits. This includes grouping items by category to minimize per-product fees and prioritizing items that are shipped directly from within Spain or the EU, where possible. Before placing an order from overseas, it is also recommended to compare prices with local retailers to see if comparable items can be found at a competitive price domestically.

What Remains Unclear

The exact amount and implementation date for the upcoming customs processing fee remain undetermined, leaving consumers uncertain about the full extent of future charges. The specific thresholds and criteria for product categories that incur the 3 euro per-item tariff are also subject to interpretation and may lead to unexpected costs for consumers.

Key Facts at a Glance

Source:
https://www.xataka.com/empresas-y-economia/pedido-15-euros-aliexpress-puede-acabar-costando-doble-aranceles-ue-otono-llega-nueva-tasa