New tariffs on online purchases from Temu, Shein, and other platforms based in China and other third countries, for the purpose of unfair competition, pursuant to a European Union decision. Starting November 1, we’ll pay €5 per product category, up from €3.
“This now applies to all packages, regardless of value—whether they’re under €150 or over.”
George Konstantinou – Customs Department Spokesperson
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The issue is that the €5 is not added to the total amount of each order, but rather per product category included in the consumer’s shopping cart.
For example, if someone adds to their shopping cart a cotton T-shirt, a satin blouse, a pair of jeans, shoes, jewelry, a household item, a cup, a notebook, toys, and a phone case, they must pay an additional 50 euros on top of the cost of the products.
“Platforms operating in third countries were not complying with European regulations and directives, resulting in the European market being harmed by the massive import of these goods, but we observethat companies are now complying with European legislation, and it comes as a surprise to us that the European Commission is stepping in to impose additional burdens on consumers.”
Virginia Christou – Legal Officer, Consumers’ Association
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Of course, under this practice, 75% of the fees imposed by the Union end up in its coffers, while only 25% go to the coffers of the member states.
In Europe
As the Legal Officer of the Consumers’ Association explains, the major platforms are now expanding across Europe.
“They have warehouses in European countries and will begin shipping a number of products. This means consumers will be able to purchase these specific products at low, competitive prices and will not have to bear the full burden of all these taxes.”
Virginia Christou – Legal Officer, Consumers’ Association
While other practices are also being considered, some platforms have even incorporated cash-on-delivery as a payment method.
Watch the report by Kleio Vourkou:
