Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – Online shoppers in the European Union are being urged to take note of new import rules, as a €3 temporary customs duty will now apply to low-value goods purchased from outside the EU.

According to the European Commission, the measure is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition within the Single Market.

Effective 1 July, importers or sellers will be required to pay a temporary customs duty of €3 for each item contained in small parcels valued at €150 or less entering the European Union from non-EU countries.

The Commission said that for years, e-commerce platforms based outside the EU have shipped millions of parcels to European consumers without customs duties, safety inspections, or adequate regulatory checks. This, it said, created an unfair competitive advantage over EU retailers, which are required to comply with strict safety standards and customs regulations while competing on price.

The European Commission also highlighted consumer safety concerns, noting that more than 60 percent of products purchased online from non-EU platforms last year were found to be unsafe.

Officials said the new customs measure is intended to create a level playing field for businesses while providing European consumers with a safer and more reliable online shopping experience.