New EU duties: what awaits buyers of Shein, Temu, Trendyol and Alibaba in 2026

Latest ECOFIN solution brings good news for Greek businessbut results in a noticeable deterioration of conditions for Greek consumerswho actively order goods through platforms Shein, Temu, Trendyol And Alibaba.

According to the agreement of the finance ministers EUV first quarter of 2026 duties and “handling fees” come into effect for all small parcels arriving in European Union from countries outside the EU. This is a temporary system until the launch of a pan-European “customs data center” in 2028.

As the decision notes, duties will be levied from the first euro cost. This means that all orders from third countries, without exception, are subject to a single taxation regime.

What does this mean for consumers?

All parcels cost below 150 euros will now be taxed FΠΑ at the rate 24%, 13% or 6% depending on the product category. As a result price many popular online shopping in Greece will grow.

In this case, the accrual of FΠΑ depends solely from the date of arrival of the parcel in the EUand not from the moment of ordering or sending.

Business position: “This is a fair decision”

Chapter ΕΣΕΕ Stavros Kafounis stressed that the abolition of the regime de minimis – the demand of Greek business, which is suffering serious losses from the “uncontrolled influx of Asian platforms.” He named the minister’s position Kyriakos Pierrakakis in ECOFIN “an extremely positive step”.

The problem became relevant back in the summer of 2024, when ΕΣΕΕ warned of billions in losses for domestic trade. Now the proposal for reform has been considered positively by the European Commission, and the official draft is expected in the near future.

Chairman ΕΒΕΑ Yiannis Bratakos also stated that the ECOFIN reform discussions are a “key step” towards a new, modern EU customs regime.

According to ΕΣΕΕ, annual turnover Temu And Shein in Greece is already estimated at €528–627 million.

How we came to these measures

Initially, a complete transition to the new regime was planned only by 2028. However, pressure from a number of Member States demanding urgent action against the serious increase in imports of cheap goods from third countries has accelerated the process.

Let us remind you that since 2021, an updated EU system for FΠA in electronic sales has been in effect, providing for taxation of imported micro-parcels.

Measures are also being prepared to abolish customs benefits for parcels up to 150 euros and introduce processing fee of 2 euros for all small packages.

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