Business · Trade · 9 hrs ago
Small-parcel deliveries to France fall as new fees target online platforms
The French government says small-parcel deliveries to France have fallen after new charges targeted online shopping platforms.
The measures focus mainly on Chinese platforms Shein, Temu and AliExpress, which authorities accuse of unfair competition and selling products that may not meet safety rules.
Since July 1, 2026, parcels worth less than €150 entering the European Union have faced a €3 charge.
A further €2 fee starts on November 1, bringing the charge to €5 per parcel.
The government says visits to the platforms and sales have also dropped, while declared parcel VAT figures suggest deliveries to Europe fell 48% from June to August.
Officials say the figures show fewer imports, but they have not measured whether shoppers are switching to local stores or European products.
The new charges are part of efforts to curb the platforms, and the effects on where people shop remain unclear.
France says the number of small parcels arriving from online platforms has fallen after new fees were introduced.
The European Union began charging €3 per parcel worth less than €150 on 1 July 2026.
An additional €2 fee is due to take effect on 1 November, bringing the total charge to €5 per parcel.
France reported fewer visits to Shein, Temu and AliExpress, and a 25% fall in sales by value in September.
The government says the measures are working, but has not quantified whether shoppers have switched to other retailers or products.
- Who
- The French government and online platforms including Shein, Temu and AliExpress.
- What
- Small-parcel deliveries and visits to the platforms have fallen after fees were introduced.
- When
- The EU fee took effect on 1 July 2026; an additional fee is due from 1 November 2026. Results were presented on 28 October.
- Where
- France and the wider European Union.
- Why
- The fees target small parcels from online platforms amid concerns about unfair competition and non-compliant or dangerous products.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nearly 6 billion small parcels arrived in Europe, including 800 million in France.
The European Union began charging €3 on small parcels worth less than €150.
Sales by value were down 25%, according to the figures reported by franceinfo.
Ministers presented initial results, including a reported 48% drop in small parcels arriving in Europe between June and August.
An additional €2 fee is due to take effect, bringing the charge to €5 per parcel.
- Parcel value threshold
- Less than €150
- EU fee from 1 July 2026
- €3 per parcel
- Additional fee from 1 November 2026
- €2 per parcel
- Small parcels in Europe in 2025
- Nearly 6 billion
- Small parcels in France in 2025
- 800 million
- Reported parcel decline in Europe
- 48% between June and August
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les résultats de ces mesures sont déjà visibles.