欧盟终结小额免税政策！7月1日开始征收新关税

Core Viewpoint - The EU's new cross-border e-commerce import regulation reform, effective immediately, abolishes the long-standing exemption from customs duties for packages valued under €150, significantly impacting global e-commerce platforms and sellers targeting the EU market, particularly those with low-priced, low-margin products relying on direct shipping [1][4]. Group 1: Transition Period and Taxation - A two-year transition period has been established from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, during which packages valued at €150 or less will incur a fixed customs duty of €3, regardless of product category [2][3]. - The fixed €3 duty applies uniformly, with no exemptions for specific goods, including those under VAT exemption clauses or those processed through the EU's IOSS [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact on Sellers - The new regulations will lead to increased costs for cross-border sellers, significantly compressing profit margins, especially for low-priced items and those with low gross margins, potentially resulting in losses for some products [6]. - Sellers face a dilemma: absorbing the new customs costs will drastically reduce profits, while raising prices risks losing price-sensitive customers, leading to a decline in order volume [6]. Group 3: Industry Adaptation and Competition - Experts recommend that e-commerce operators utilize the transition period to optimize pricing strategies and product assortments, enhance compliance capabilities, and consider local warehousing to mitigate the impact of the new regulations [7]. - Major platforms are already adapting; for instance, Temu aims to increase its European warehouse coverage to 80% by the end of 2026, while Shein is shifting 60% of its European orders to local warehouses and focusing on higher-value products [7]. Group 4: Long-term Industry Outlook - The tightening of customs duties on small packages is an irreversible trend that may lead to short-term industry pain but will ultimately drive the sector towards compliance and higher quality standards [9]. - The elimination of non-compliant businesses will enhance market competition, providing a fair platform for sellers focused on brand, quality, and innovation, while the EU's emphasis on green compliance may create additional premium opportunities for compliant sellers [9].