{"id":2032974,"date":"2026-07-07T10:12:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T07:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032974"},"modified":"2026-07-07T10:12:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T07:12:41","slug":"has-online-shopping-from-outside-the-eu-become-more-expensive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2032974","title":{"rendered":"Has online shopping from outside the EU become more expensive?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/70\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_08b720c2-d916-5635-8c45-8d5d56001611-9827055.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908240-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908240\" data-cid=\"9829981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908240-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/99\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_537a0f4f-fd0f-5696-8f7f-23e20ff44e58-9829981.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Norway&apos;s Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his side&apos;s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in N.J. July 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AI&#8217;s biggest World Cup star? It&#8217;s a fake Erling Haaland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908291-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908291\" data-cid=\"9830271\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908291-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/71\/189x106_cmsv2_7d26ce87-78ca-54c4-85a1-45e5950baec6-9830271.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Support Unit (USK), a specialised unit of the Bavarian police, in the grounds of the Welfen Gymnasium in Schongau, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sixteen-year-old arrested over Bavaria school attack, police say\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908208-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2908208\" data-cid=\"9829840\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908208-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/40\/189x106_cmsv2_416ed2c6-a8c8-583d-bcb9-d194e4495d93-9829840.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"This April 3, 2013 file photo shows bitcoin tokens at a shop in Sandy, Utah.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Exclusive: EU to revise crypto rules in 2027 amid Trump&#8217;s push\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908240-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908240\" data-cid=\"9829981\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908240-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/99\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_537a0f4f-fd0f-5696-8f7f-23e20ff44e58-9829981.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Norway&apos;s Erling Haaland celebrates scoring his side&apos;s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in N.J. July 5, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AI&#8217;s biggest World Cup star? It&#8217;s a fake Erling Haaland\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908291-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908291\" data-cid=\"9830271\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908291-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/71\/189x106_cmsv2_7d26ce87-78ca-54c4-85a1-45e5950baec6-9830271.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Support Unit (USK), a specialised unit of the Bavarian police, in the grounds of the Welfen Gymnasium in Schongau, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sixteen-year-old arrested over Bavaria school attack, police say\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/189x106_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Iran<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908208-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2908208\" data-cid=\"9829840\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908208-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/40\/189x106_cmsv2_416ed2c6-a8c8-583d-bcb9-d194e4495d93-9829840.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"This April 3, 2013 file photo shows bitcoin tokens at a shop in Sandy, Utah.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Exclusive: EU to revise crypto rules in 2027 amid Trump&#8217;s push\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Decoded<\/p>\n<p>                          The Cube<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Has online shopping from outside the EU become more expensive?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/70\/55\/1536x864_cmsv2_08b720c2-d916-5635-8c45-8d5d56001611-9827055.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Amazon&apos;s packages ready for final shipment. (AP Photo\/Ross D. Franklin)\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Amazon&#8217;s packages ready for final shipment. (AP Photo\/Ross D. Franklin)<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo\/Richard Drew, FIle<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\/Richard Drew, FIle\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspNoa Schumann\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1783419161\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-07-07 12:12:41 +02:00\">07\/07\/2026 &#8211; 12:12 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Several social media users are claiming that online shopping has become more expensive because of a new EU import charge. The Cube takes a look.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>On 1 July, the European Commission introduced a temporary \u20ac3 customs handling duty on low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc. The measure applies to each item type worth up to \u20ac150 purchased online and shipped directly to consumers.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Commission says the duty is intended to create fairer competition for European businesses while helping to cover the cost of processing the growing number of low-value imports. The measure will remain in force until 1 July 2028, when it is expected to be replaced as part of the EU&#8217;s wider customs reform.<\/p>\n<p>The announcement quickly sparked debate online, with some users arguing that consumers will ultimately end up paying more.<\/p>\n<p>In a post on X, the European Commission said the duty is charged to e-commerce platforms, not directly to shoppers.<\/p>\n<p>A European Commission spokesperson also told Euronews&#8217; fact-checking team, The Cube, that &#8220;consumers buying online are not legally responsible for paying the duty&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>However, the spokesperson added that the Commission &#8220;cannot speak for sellers or platforms on how they will absorb this cost.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Experts told us that, in practice, costs do indeed end up falling on customers even if it&#8217;s the companies that are legally responsible for paying them.<\/p>\n<h2>The reform&#8217;s practical impact<\/h2>\n<p>Businesses rarely absorb additional costs in full, according to Olivia Brown, a policy officer at the consumer organisation Euroconsumers.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, they often pass at least part of the extra expense on to consumers through higher prices or additional charges.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In reality, what we see is that when a cost is added anywhere in the supply chain, it very rarely just disappears into a company&#8217;s margin,&#8221; Brown said. &#8220;It often ends up being reflected in the price consumers pay.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To test the claim, we ordered a product on Amazon from outside the EU for delivery to Belgium. At checkout, the platform applied a \u20ac3 &#8220;import charges&#8221; fee linked to the new EU customs duty.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/70\/55\/808x456_cmsv2_f69dca7e-3393-57cb-80b8-67f000c1c386-9827055.jpg\" alt=\"packages move down a conveyor system to the proper shipping area at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre. (AP Photo\/Rich Pedroncelli, File)enter. \"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">packages move down a conveyor system to the proper shipping area at the Amazon Fulfillment Centre. (AP Photo\/Rich Pedroncelli, File)enter. <\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The duty is not charged per order but for each type of goods, based on its customs tariff classification. This means the total cost depends on what is being purchased. <\/p>\n<p>For example, if a customer orders two T-shirts, a phone and a watch, the \u20ac3 duty can be applied three times because the products fall under three different customs tariff classifications, bringing the total import charges to \u20ac9, on top of VAT.<\/p>\n<h2>Limited impact<\/h2>\n<p>Some platforms are limiting the impact of the new rules by shipping products from warehouses already located within the EU. In those cases, the \u20ac3 duty does not apply because the goods are no longer entering the EU customs territory directly from outside the bloc.<\/p>\n<p>In 2025, 97% of products ordered on Amazon through its EU stores were dispatched from within the EU and would therefore not be affected by the new customs duty.<\/p>\n<p>Using European warehouses has also become a way for platforms to avoid the new levy on direct-to-consumer imports. China tech analyst Ed Sander told The Cube that companies such as Temu had been preparing for the change well before it came into force.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Temu has been preparing for this for quite a long time,&#8221; Sander said. &#8220;As early as 2024, it started encouraging merchants to store goods in European warehouses, with sellers taking responsibility for the logistics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not every merchant wanted to do that because it ties up capital and creates inventory risks if products do not sell,&#8221; he added. &#8220;So Temu also started stocking goods itself in local warehouses.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/70\/55\/808x456_cmsv2_a63f3dcd-fbcc-5263-a781-0621ccf33a40-9827055.jpg\" alt=\"Shipping containers are stacked at a port in Tianjin, China, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo\/Mahesh Kumar A., file)\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Shipping containers are stacked at a port in Tianjin, China, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo\/Mahesh Kumar A., file)<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>According to Sander, Temu&#8217;s goal was for around 80% of the goods sold in Europe to be stored in local warehouses by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If goods are stored in local warehouses, they are imported in bulk by sea rather than shipped individually by air directly to consumers,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That means they are imported at wholesale values rather than the retail value of individual parcels, significantly reducing the costs associated with direct-to-consumer imports.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Sander said that, regardless of who is legally responsible for paying the duty, consumers are still likely to bear at least part of the additional cost.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Ultimately, consumers always end up paying. Either they pay the import duty directly, or sellers build the extra cost into their prices,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;In some cases, platforms may share the cost between themselves, merchants and consumers, but consumers still end up paying at least part of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  What&#8217;s behind the viral claims of child trafficking on Vinted?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Just a few social media posts from self-styled &#8216;experts&#8217; can strongly influence opinion, study says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Starmer resigns: Which European country has the highest turnover of leaders?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  China<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Consumer Goods<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  trade<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908295-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908295\" data-cid=\"9830246\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908295-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_92ceacad-88a2-5301-8227-ae14f94c27fd-9830246.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US to give Ukraine licence to produce Patriot air-defence interceptors<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908291-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908291\" data-cid=\"9830271\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908291-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/71\/320x180_cmsv2_7d26ce87-78ca-54c4-85a1-45e5950baec6-9830271.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Support Unit (USK), a specialised unit of the Bavarian police, in the grounds of the Welfen Gymnasium in Schongau, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sixteen-year-old arrested over Bavaria school attack, police say<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908289-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908289\" data-cid=\"9830226\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908289-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/26\/320x180_cmsv2_766dc783-b312-59fd-9932-b1da34a2a9a1-9830226.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Reform UK leader Nigel Farage leaves Milbank Tower after he said he&apos;ll quit his Parliament seat and seek re-election in London, 7 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Farage&#8217;s political rivals rule out standing in Clacton by-election<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908205-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908205\" data-cid=\"9830023\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908205-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/37\/320x180_cmsv2_3a0e6530-7b52-59a9-ae94-406ec2f015f5-9829837.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Donald Trump arrives to speak at a luncheon in the White House Rose Garden, Monday, 6 July 2026, in Washington.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How cutting trade ties between Spain and the US would hit both sides<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907901-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907901\" data-cid=\"9828296\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament to ask for probe into FIFA boss Infantino<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908051-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908051\" data-cid=\"9829078\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prince Harry loses London High Court privacy case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2907889-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907889\" data-cid=\"9828209\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Overturn this\u2019: Belgian team and fans mock Donald Trump and FIFA<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908304\" data-cid=\"9830351\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/03\/51\/320x180_cmsv2_3a133f63-6635-5421-a60f-bccb12125a55-9830351.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Demonstrators wave Iranian flags in a pro-government gathering in Tehran, 7 June, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908295-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908295\" data-cid=\"9830246\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908295-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_92ceacad-88a2-5301-8227-ae14f94c27fd-9830246.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - A Patriot missile mobile launcher is displayed outside the Fort Sill Army Post near Lawton, Okla., on March 21, 2023. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    US to give Ukraine licence to produce Patriot air-defence interceptors<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908291-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908291\" data-cid=\"9830271\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908291-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/71\/320x180_cmsv2_7d26ce87-78ca-54c4-85a1-45e5950baec6-9830271.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Support Unit (USK), a specialised unit of the Bavarian police, in the grounds of the Welfen Gymnasium in Schongau, 8 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sixteen-year-old arrested over Bavaria school attack, police say<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908289-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908289\" data-cid=\"9830226\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908289-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/02\/26\/320x180_cmsv2_766dc783-b312-59fd-9932-b1da34a2a9a1-9830226.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Reform UK leader Nigel Farage leaves Milbank Tower after he said he&apos;ll quit his Parliament seat and seek re-election in London, 7 July, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Farage&#8217;s political rivals rule out standing in Clacton by-election<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908205-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908205\" data-cid=\"9830023\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908205-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/98\/37\/320x180_cmsv2_3a0e6530-7b52-59a9-ae94-406ec2f015f5-9829837.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Donald Trump arrives to speak at a luncheon in the White House Rose Garden, Monday, 6 July 2026, in Washington.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How cutting trade ties between Spain and the US would hit both sides<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907779-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907779\" data-cid=\"9827608\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The five fastest-growing economies in Europe over the next five years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907901-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907901\" data-cid=\"9828296\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    European Parliament to ask for probe into FIFA boss Infantino<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908051-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908051\" data-cid=\"9829078\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Prince Harry loses London High Court privacy case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2907889-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2907889\" data-cid=\"9828209\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018Overturn this\u2019: Belgian team and fans mock Donald Trump and FIFA<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908089-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908089\" data-cid=\"9829297\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump says ceasefire with Iran &#8216;over&#8217; after both sides exchanged fire<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">On 1 July, the European Commission introduced a temporary \u20ac3 customs handling duty on low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc. The measure applies to each item type worth up to \u20ac150 purchased online and shipped directly to consumers.The Commission says the duty is intended to create fairer competition for European businesses while helping to cover the cost of processing the growing number of low-value imports. The measure will remain in force until 1 July 2028, when it is expected to be replaced as part of the EU&#8217;s wider customs reform.The announcement quickly sparked debate online, with some users arguing that consumers will ultimately end up paying more.In a post on X, the European Commission said the duty is charged to e-commerce platforms, not directly to shoppers.A European Commission spokesperson also told Euronews&#8217; fact-checking team, The Cube, that &#8220;consumers buying online are not legally responsible for paying the duty&#8221;.However, the spokesperson added that the Commission &#8220;cannot speak for sellers or platforms on how they will absorb this cost.&#8221;Experts told us that, in practice, costs do indeed end up falling on customers even if it&#8217;s the companies that are legally responsible for paying them.The reform&#8217;s practical impactBusinesses rarely absorb additional costs in full, according to Olivia Brown, a policy officer at the consumer organisation Euroconsumers.Instead, they often pass at least part of the extra expense on to consumers through higher prices or additional charges.&#8221;In reality, what we see is that when a cost is added anywhere in the supply chain, it very rarely just disappears into a company&#8217;s margin,&#8221; Brown said. &#8220;It often ends up being reflected in the price consumers pay.&#8221;To test the claim, we ordered a product on Amazon from outside the EU for delivery to Belgium. At checkout, the platform applied a \u20ac3 &#8220;import charges&#8221; fee linked to the new EU customs duty.The duty is not charged per order but for each type of goods, based on its customs tariff classification. This means the total cost depends on what is being purchased.\u00a0For example, if a customer orders two T-shirts, a phone and a watch, the \u20ac3 duty can be applied three times because the products fall under three different customs tariff classifications, bringing the total import charges to \u20ac9, on top of VAT.Limited impactSome platforms are limiting the impact of the new rules by shipping products from warehouses already located within the EU. In those cases, the \u20ac3 duty does not apply because the goods are no longer entering the EU customs territory directly from outside the bloc.In 2025, 97% of products ordered on Amazon through its EU stores were dispatched from within the EU and would therefore not be affected by the new customs duty.Using European warehouses has also become a way for platforms to avoid the new levy on direct-to-consumer imports. China tech analyst Ed Sander told The Cube that companies such as Temu had been preparing for the change well before it came into force.&#8221;Temu has been preparing for this for quite a long time,&#8221; Sander said. &#8220;As early as 2024, it started encouraging merchants to store goods in European warehouses, with sellers taking responsibility for the logistics.&#8221;&#8221;Not every merchant wanted to do that because it ties up capital and creates inventory risks if products do not sell,&#8221; he added. &#8220;So Temu also started stocking goods itself in local warehouses.&#8221;According to Sander, Temu&#8217;s goal was for around 80% of the goods sold in Europe to be stored in local warehouses by the end of 2025.&#8221;If goods are stored in local warehouses, they are imported in bulk by sea rather than shipped individually by air directly to consumers,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That means they are imported at wholesale values rather than the retail value of individual parcels, significantly reducing the costs associated with direct-to-consumer imports.&#8221;Sander said that, regardless of who is legally responsible for paying the duty, consumers are still likely to bear at least part of the additional cost.&#8221;Ultimately, consumers always end up paying. Either they pay the import duty directly, or sellers build the extra cost into their prices,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;In some cases, platforms may share the cost between themselves, merchants and consumers, but consumers still end up paying at least part of it.&#8221;<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/07\/07\/has-online-shopping-from-outside-the-eu-become-more-expensive&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/82\/70\/55\/1200x675_cmsv2_08b720c2-d916-5635-8c45-8d5d56001611-9827055.jpg&#8221;] Tech News AI&#8217;s biggest World Cup star? It&#8217;s a fake Erling Haaland Europe News Sixteen-year-old arrested over Bavaria school attack, police say Iran &#8216;We&#8217;re gonna hit &#8217;em hard tonight,&#8217; Trump says strikes on Iran Europe News Exclusive: EU to revise crypto rules in 2027 amid Trump&#8217;s push Tech News AI&#8217;s biggest World [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2032974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2032974"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2032974\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2032974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2032974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2032974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}