ports

EU Import Reforms Unlikely to Disrupt Ecommerce Sector, Industry Tells Warsaw Summit

European ecommerce operators are expected to absorb upcoming customs reforms with minimal disruption, industry executives said at the TIACA Executive Summit in Warsaw. The European Union plans to impose a €3 customs duty on parcels valued below €150, along with additional handling fees. Atlas Air's Martin Drew noted that ecommerce platforms have demonstrated rapid adaptability to regulatory shifts, citing the US de minimis exemption removal as evidence. That US policy change sparked immediate volume declines from China. Merchants quickly redirected shipments to alternative markets, including Peru, within weeks. BoxC's Craig Strickland said customs specialists and technology providers have spent months preparing systems for EU compliance, learning from US market experiences. While acknowledging implementation challenges ahead, Strickland emphasized ecommerce activity will continue despite transition hurdles.