air-cargo

EU's €3 Duty on Low-Value Parcels May Reshape Air Cargo Flows

The European Union's elimination of duty exemptions on parcels under €150 effective July 1 may redirect air cargo volumes away from European gateways. This follows patterns seen when the US ended de minimis exemptions for Chinese imports below $800 in April 2025, extended to all countries from August 2025.

Member states implemented a €3 per-item customs charge on low-value imports from outside the bloc, covering clothing, toys, electronics and other consumer goods. The duty applies per item based on tariff classification, with sellers or importers responsible for payment during customs clearance. The measure serves as a temporary bridge until the EU Customs Data Hub launches in 2028.

The European Commission cited safety concerns, customs fraud prevention and fair competition as justifications. The U.S. policy initially suppressed transatlantic demand, though volumes have largely recovered. Industry observers expect clarity on EU impact within coming weeks.