EU considers higher fee on ultra-cheap imports as scrutiny of fast fashion intensifies

Following the agreement to introduce a €3 flat fee on small parcels imported into the EU, several policymakers are already questioning whether the measure will be sufficient to curb the surge of ultra-cheap goods entering the European market, particularly via online platforms.

EU €3 parcel fee on ultra-cheap imports and fast fashion questioned by EU lawmakers

Speaking after the decision, Irish MEP Barry Andrews warned that the fee may need to increase if it fails to slow the flow of low-cost deliveries, particularly from Chinese e-commerce platforms. He has previously argued for a charge closer to €5 per parcel.

The debate highlights growing concern within EU institutions that trade measures alone may not be sufficient to address the environmental and economic impacts of ultra-fast fashion business models. Policymakers are increasingly linking the issue to rising textile waste, pressure on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems and uneven enforcement of EU sustainability rules in cross-border online sales.

Four billion parcels underline limits of trade measures

More than four billion small parcels are delivered to European households each year.

With more than four billion small parcels delivered to European households each year, the fee is widely seen as an initial step rather than a final solution. Further action on platform regulation, market surveillance and producer responsibility is now firmly on the political agenda.

The debate over the EU fee on ultra-cheap imports and fast fashion reflects a broader shift in EU policy, in which trade instruments are increasingly linked to waste management, producer responsibility and digital market regulation rather than narrowly defined tariff protection.