Are you wondering why your Shein order is a little more expensive than usual? Maybe this may make you rethink before you press buy next time. Here is why:
You may be noticing added charges to your packages from AliExpress, Shein, Temu… it is not due to inflation for a change, it’s actually a rise in custom charges. For every order that is shipped from outside of Europe, a three euro charge will be added at customs.
This charge comes with exceptions, such as, it only affects orders of under 150 euros and it is added by product not number of items. For example: if you buy three identical t-shirts you will be charged three euros, however, if you buy a t-shirt, a dress and a football you will be charged nine euros.
This has been put into place to protect local European business and retailers from ultra-cheap products, improve safety checks and reduce customs fraud. During 2025 it is estimated that 6 billion parcels were shipped to Europe, with a 90% coming from China, through e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
This charge is separate from your usual VAT taxes, and is not charged on parcels that are shipped within Europe. This change in customs charge is merely temporary and is calculated to last until 2028 until it is replaced by a different system by the EU Customs Authority.
The good news is that you will not have to worry about this if you are buying from Shein, Aliexpress, Temu, as as a general rule the extra charge will be added automatically for you at checkout, instead of having to pay it when you collect the parcel- beware if you are buying from marketplaces that are not stated above, you may be charged when you receive your package, so double check if it has been added to your final bill when purchasing an item.
It is expected that this will create a more competitive marketplace for European retailers and reduce mass impulse buys from low-cost shops and platforms.
Let us know if you have noticed this in your recent orders! We chatted about this topic on our recent show:
