The year 2026 is fast approaching and that also means some changes in Munich. We can look forward to financial increases –for example in the minimum wage – and have to prepare ourselves for trouble on the railroads thanks to new construction sites. But our shopping habits will probably also have to change in the new year. The EU has passed a new tax to stem the influx of cheap parcels – especially from China. What exactly does this mean for us?
Cheap goods from China will soon cost significantly more
The EU member states have now decided that every small parcel imported into the EU will be subject to a flat-rate tax of 3 euros from summer 2026. The tax will vary depending on the product category. For example, two T-shirts in a package will cost an extra 3 euros. However, a shirt and a pan in the same package will cost an extra 6 euros, as they are two different categories.
The new regulation goes even further: in addition to this EU-wide customs duty, national administrative fees may be added. And from July 2028, the previous exemption limit of 150 euros will be completely abolished, meaning that all goods will be subject to the same customs duties. In short: it will become much more expensive for low-cost platforms.
The EU is pursuing a clear goal. The competitive conditions for European retailers should be fairer and quality standards should be maintained. And the environmental impact of millions of tiny parcels is to be ended. This is because cheap goods such as those from Shein or Temu in particular cause huge amounts of CO₂ during transportation. In addition, the cheap materials and enormous amounts of packaging waste produce mountains of plastic and textile waste that pollute our environment.
What does this mean for us?
Anyone who likes to order cheap goods from Chinese discounters will have to be prepared for some costs from next year. Germany is one of the largest markets for Temu and Shein. An average package often contains 7 to 8 items from different categories, which can increase the price by up to 50% due to the new tax plus the upcoming handling fee.
The new tax will radically change the business model of low-cost platforms such as Shein and Temu. Until now, their success has been based on flying in masses of small orders directly from China. With a flat fee of 3 to 7 euros per parcel, the individual shipment of 5-euro items will become economically impossible.
The platforms will most likely pass the costs on to customers. Experts estimate that orders from Germany will fall by around 20%. This means an advantage for German retailers, who will regain their competitiveness. And you will wear fewer clothes that are flown halfway around the world at unfair prices.