Low cost merchandise from China are at the moment exempt from EU import duties, though FT sources say this might quickly change.
The European Fee is making ready to use customs duties on low cost merchandise coming from China, in keeping with three sources cited by the Monetary Occasions.
Underneath present guidelines, items below €150 may be imported into the bloc obligation free from non-EU international locations.
For merchandise over this threshold, the share or charge varies relying on the kind of items.
The transfer, stated one supply, is meant to fight an inflow of low-quality merchandise imported from Chinese language on-line marketplaces Temu, AliExpress, and retailer Shein.
2.3 billion objects beneath the €150 threshold have been imported into the EU final 12 months, in keeping with the Fee.
all items, China was the bloc’s largest import supplier final 12 months, accounting for 20.5% of products coming into the EU.
The Fee had been discussing an finish to the duty-free exemption as a part of a customs reform instructed in Might 2023, though some consider this step may now be introduced ahead.
Duties would solely be imposed on retailers delivery to the EU from exterior the bloc.
Which means sellers with a base in Europe like Amazon are unlikely to be strung.
Some worry that new customs duties would stretch the capability of already overburdened customs officers, whereas others argue the crackdown on low cost items is essential for European security.
In February, the Toy Industries of Europe group claimed it purchased 19 toys from Temu and complained that none complied with EU requirements. It added that 18 offered a grave danger for youngsters, though all of those merchandise have since been faraway from Temu’s EU website.
Complaints about different low cost merchandise concern Chinese language cosmetics, electrical home equipment, and garments.
“We’re totally supportive of efforts by lawmakers to reform the de minimis provision,” a spokesperson for Shein informed Reuters.
AliExpress dad or mum Alibaba, Temu, and the European Union haven’t but commented.
