EU steps up customs checks on e-commerce imports

The European Union has tightened controls on e-commerce imports after findings showed that most small parcels shipped directly to consumers fail to meet EU safety and product standards, placing customs authorities on the front line. The surge in cross-border online shopping has sharply increased pressure on border controls, with billions of low-value consignments entering the bloc each year.

Since 2022, the volume of small packages sent into the EU has doubled annually. In 2024 alone, 4.6 billion parcels entered the market, while July 2025 volumes were still 36 per cent higher year on year. Nearly 180 such consignments now arrive every second, overwhelming traditional customs control methods.

An EU-wide customs control operation, conducted with market surveillance authorities under a priority control area, exposed widespread non-compliance. Laboratory testing found 84 per cent of sampled items to be dangerous, underlining growing consumer safety risks.

Although customs stopped and refused more non-compliant goods in 2024, averaging 13 items per million products released, the pace of enforcement lags behind import growth. In 2025, small consignments accounted for 97 per cent of all shipments, limiting effective screening, the European Commission said in a release.

To restore a level playing field and strengthen safety, Member States agreed to end the duty-free exemption for parcels below €150 (~$175.14). A flat €3 customs duty per item will apply from July 01, 2026. Under the EU Customs Reform, online platforms and sellers will become official importers, shifting responsibility away from consumers and carriers and ensuring taxes, duties and product compliance are enforced at source.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)