EU introduces €3 customs charge on small parcels to curb cheap Chinese imports

Consumer groups warned last year that EU cities and towns were facing ‘an avalanche of cheap imports’. Photograph: Richard Drew/AP

The European Commission has said it hopes to prevent the “desertification” of Europe’s high streets, as it prepares to introduce a customs tax on small parcels in an attempt to curb cheap Chinese imports.

Consumers have been able to buy up to €150 (£129) worth of goods, including fast fashion, cosmetics and toys, without any customs charges as part of a “de minimis” exemption, a tariff break meaning too small to matter.