The Council of the European Union has agreed to introduce a flat-rate customs fee of three euros on consignments valued at up to 150 euros imported from third countries, a measure aimed mainly at low-cost e-commerce shipments. The fee is due to take effect on 1 July 2026. In Czechia, representatives of the e-commerce sector welcome the decision as long overdue, but stress that it will not by itself resolve the competitive pressure faced by domestic retailers.

According to the Czech E-commerce Association APEK, the fee may help partially offset the advantages enjoyed by non-EU sellers who often avoid customs duties, VAT and other regulatory costs. APEK Executive Director Jan Vetyška described the measure as sensible but criticized the delayed start date and noted that January 2026 had originally been discussed. He also reiterated APEK’s long-standing call for the complete abolition of the customs duty exemption for consignments under 150 euros, which the EU has already endorsed in principle.

Czech retailers are particularly affected by the influx of low-value parcels, as EU data show that 4.6 billion such consignments entered the EU in 2024, mostly from China. Industry representatives warn that many of these products fail to meet safety and environmental standards and that counterfeit goods frequently appear on the market. While the new fee is seen in Czechia as a positive signal of political will, the sector expects further EU action to ensure equal rules and effective enforcement for all sellers operating in the European market.

Source: PragueDaily

Prepared by the team of foreign offices CzechTrade Osaka and Tokyo