EU customs control action: poor results for third-country e-commerce goods
A large-scale EU customs control operation shows that most e-commerce goods shipped directly to EU consumers from third countries do not comply with EU safety and product standards. Customs authorities, working with national market surveillance bodies, face growing pressure due to the rapid expansion of global e-commerce. Since 2022, the number of small parcels entering the EU has doubled annually, reaching 4.6 billion packages in 2024, with continued growth in 2025.
Poor inspection results
Inspections under an EU-wide priority control area found widespread non-compliance: over half of 20,000 checked toys and small electronic items failed to meet EU standards, and 84% of laboratory-tested products were deemed dangerous. Although customs controls and refusals of non-compliant goods have increased, the surge in small consignments—now 97% of all shipments—outpaces traditional control capacities.
EU is reforming its customs system
To address this, the EU is reforming its customs system. From 1 July 2026, the duty exemption for parcels under €150 will end, replaced by a flat €3 customs duty per item. The EU Customs Reform will also make online platforms and sellers responsible as official importers, ensuring compliance with customs rules and EU safety, environmental, and ethical standards, while relieving consumers of this responsibility and helping maintain fair competition in the single market.
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