France is taking a bold step to tighten its customs controls on low-value parcels from non-EU countries — and the impact on global e-commerce will be significant. Article 22 of France’s 2026 Finance Bill proposes a new €2 customs charge per parcel on imports valued under €150 from third countries. This policy is set to affect e-commerce platforms and international sellers across the board. (https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/17/textes/l17b1906_projet-loi )
What Is Article 22 of the 2026 Finance Bill?
Passed by the French National Assembly, Article 22 introduces a €2 administrative fee for each parcel entering France from outside the EU, if its value is below €150. This targets the surge in low-value shipments entering France daily from platforms like AliExpress, Temu, SHEIN, and other Chinese-based marketplaces. (https://www.vatcalc.com/france/france-e2-customs-levy-low-value-imports-2026/?utm)
Why Is France Introducing This?
The new charge aims to:
- Tackle undervaluation and customs fraud
- Level the playing field for domestic retailers
- Reduce the workload on customs authorities who must process huge volumes of low-value items
This change coincides with EU-wide reforms scheduled for 2026 that will remove the €150 duty exemption on imported goods, a move intended to tighten compliance and boost tax revenues. (https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/news/e-commerce-150-eur-customs-duty-exemption-threshold-be-removed-2026-2025-11-13_en )
Implications for E-Commerce Retailers
Retailers and fulfilment partners must now consider:
- Additional per‑parcel charges may reduce profit margins
- Buyers in France may be deterred by increased costs
- Higher operational complexity for cross-border logistics
It’s no longer just about getting the product to the consumer — it’s about navigating an increasingly complex customs environment.
How NG-Terminal Can Help
NG-Terminal closely tracks EU and UK regulatory changes to support its clients in cross-border trade. Our team works with global e-commerce sellers to:
✅ Structure customs declarations in line with evolving EU rules
✅ Optimise shipping routes using bonded warehousing and ETSF solutions
✅ Reduce duties and delays through proactive compliance
As part of our MyNGT digital portal and bonded warehousing services, we help e-commerce brands stay competitive even as regulatory landscapes shift.
Looking Ahead
France’s move is likely to inspire similar policies elsewhere in the EU, especially as the bloc works to end the €150 low-value threshold and digitise customs via EU Customs Reform. Businesses operating between the UK, China and the EU must prepare early.
📧 For more info or to explore tailored customs solutions, contact:
ngtbd@ng-terminal.com
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