France’s New “Small Parcel Tax”: What It Means for Chinese Exporters and E-commerce Logistics
Background: Europe’s Growing Concern over Chinese Parcels
The European Union has been debating how to respond to the flood of low-value e-commerce parcels arriving from China through platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
These packages often enter the EU with little or no customs duty, thanks to a loophole known as the “de minimis” rule, which exempts imports valued under €150.
Now, France has decided to act first.
The French government recently proposed a €2 tax per parcel on all low-value packages arriving from outside the EU — primarily from China. This fee would apply even before the EU’s broader reform, originally planned for 2028, which France now wants to move forward to 2026.
Why France Is Doing This
France argues that the current system gives foreign sellers an unfair advantage over local retailers and manufacturers.
According to France’s finance ministry, the uncontrolled influx of cheap parcels is:
- Hurting local SMEs by undercutting prices;
- Eroding tax revenue, as billions of euros in imports go untaxed;
- Raising safety and counterfeit concerns, since many low-value goods bypass strict EU compliance checks.
Every year, over 1.5 billion e-commerce parcels arrive in France, and nearly 800 million of them are valued under €150. The government says the new tax will fund stricter customs inspections and support fair competition for local brands.
Impact on Chinese Exporters and E-commerce Sellers
This new move could significantly reshape the China–EU cross-border logistics landscape:
- Higher shipping costs – The €2 handling fee will directly increase the cost per parcel for sellers relying on low-margin products.
- Longer clearance times – Expect more customs checks and stricter documentation requirements.
- Shift in fulfillment strategy – Businesses may need to consider EU-based warehouses or bulk shipping + local delivery models to stay competitive.
- Regulatory uncertainty – With France pushing for earlier implementation, other EU members may follow suit sooner than expected.
What Can Exporters Do Now?
For Chinese exporters and logistics providers, planning ahead is essential.
Here’s how Zcyt Logistics recommends you prepare:
Review your product mix – Low-value, lightweight items may face higher costs; consider consolidating or upgrading shipping categories.
Explore bonded or overseas warehousing in the EU – Reduce the number of individual parcels and gain better control over compliance.
Partner with a professional freight forwarder – A reliable logistics partner can help manage customs, documentation, and last-mile delivery under the new policy environment.
Stay informed – EU trade and customs policies are evolving fast. Regularly follow updates from European authorities and your logistics providers.
Conclusion
France’s proposed “small parcel tax” signals a broader policy shift in Europe’s attitude toward Chinese e-commerce imports.
What began as a national initiative may soon become an EU-wide reform—one that changes how cross-border trade operates between China and Europe.
For exporters, the message is clear:
Adapt early, optimize logistics, and focus on compliance.
Those who prepare now will maintain their competitive edge when the new rules arrive