Is It the End for Temu and Shein? EU's New €3 Customs Duty Could Make Every Haul More Expensive

The EU has abolished customs duty exemption for cheap imports that will heavily affect European customers of Temu, Shein, and other fast-fashion online marketplaces (Credit: V H/Pexels)

Millions of Temu and Shein shoppers from Europe face the new EU €3 customs fee, equivalent to £2.57 and $3.43. There are an estimated 130 million Temu and 145 million Shein monthly users in the region.

Starting 1 July, the EU has abolished an 'outdated customs duty exemption for e-commerce packages worth less than €150 (£128.44 and $171.61).' Temu, Shein, and AliExpress have long benefited from this exemption, a practice welcomed by many European online shoppers. However, independent companies within the European Union face significant disadvantages against these fast-fashion giants.