New EU Fee Set to Raise Cost of Online Shopping From November

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 27, 2026 — Online shoppers across the European Union will face higher costs from November 1, 2026, as a new EU handling charge on goods imported from non-EU countries comes into force.

The measure, known as the “Union Handling Fee,” will primarily affect consumers ordering directly from popular Asian e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Under the new rules, a fee of €2 will be charged for each product category contained in a shipment, in addition to a €3 customs charge for low-value consignments worth less than €150 that has been in place since July 1, 2026.

Unlike a flat fee per parcel, the new charge is calculated according to customs tariff classifications. Multiple items from the same category will only incur the fee once. However, shipments containing products from different categories will be charged separately for each category represented.

For example, a package containing four mobile phone cases classified under the same tariff code would be subject to the €3 customs charge and a single €2 handling fee. When combined with Austria’s domestic parcel levy of €2.40, consumers would pay an additional €7.40 in total.

Costs rise significantly for mixed orders. A shipment containing a T-shirt, a charging cable and a pair of sunglasses would fall into three separate tariff categories. In that case, consumers would pay €3 in customs duties and €2 in handling fees for each category, resulting in €15 in EU charges alone. Including Austria’s parcel levy, the total additional cost would reach €17.40.

The tighter rules are part of the EU’s effort to address a surge in low-cost imports from outside the bloc. According to EU figures, around 5.9 billion duty-free small parcels entered the EU in 2025. The European Commission estimates that 65% of these shipments were incorrectly declared or undervalued to avoid duties, while more than 60% failed to comply with EU safety standards.

Supporters of the reform say the measures are necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for European businesses.

Dirk Gotink, the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on the customs reform package, described the changes as the most significant overhaul of EU customs legislation since 1968. He argued that Chinese online platforms have overwhelmed customs authorities with large volumes of products that circumvent European standards.

“The harmful business model of cheap, unlawful and dangerous imports is coming to an end,” Gotink said, adding that the reform aims to support trade based on European standards and fair competition.

The new fees are expected to have the greatest impact on consumers who frequently purchase low-cost goods from overseas marketplaces, potentially reducing the price advantage that has fueled the rapid growth of cross-border online shopping in recent years.