The European Union plans to revise its customs laws to focus on the fast-growing, low-cost e-commerce industry, which could have a major impact on consumer buying habits and global online retail giants.
Announcing the initiative, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “We will tackle the challenges for e-commerce platforms to ensure that consumers and businesses benefit from a level playing field based on effective customs, taxes, security and sustainability management.”
A key element of the proposed adjustment is the removal of the €150 import tariff exemption level, which was originally due to be eliminated by March 1, 2028. The change aims to promote sustainable production chains and better align with the EU's wider Green Deal goals, while also seeking to curb the growing influence of Chinese ultra-fast fashion companies such as Shein, Temu and Aliexpress.
On sustainability, von der Leyen committed to reducing the EU's contribution to global warming by 90 percent by 2040 through the Clean Industry Pact, a program to be launched within the first 100 days of her term as European Commission president.
