New EU Customs Rules to tackle flood of Chinese parcels

The EPP Group welcomes the positive outcome of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee’s final vote on the reform of the EU Customs Code.

"I am proud that the new European customs legislation is being definitively adopted and that implementation can begin. This represents the biggest reform of our customs system since 1968, bringing major changes for the European internal market, trade, and the enforcement of EU rules," says Dirk Gotink MEP, the Parliament’s negotiator on this law.

"Our customs authorities are currently being overwhelmed by Chinese parcels that fail to meet European rules and standards. This involves more than 16 million parcels a day and a total of 5.8 billion in 2025. The temporary €3 import levy in effect since 1 July has already significantly reduced the flow of parcels, but there is still work to be done. The new legislation will finally provide EU and national customs authorities with the tools to effectively protect businesses and consumers. European customs operations will also be modernised through a single central data hub, a European customs authority based in Lille, increased risk-based checks, and closer cooperation between authorities," Gotink explains.

"Once this week has passed, the priority will be to begin implementing the legislation as quickly as possible. In doing so, it will be essential to communicate clearly and transparently with citizens and businesses about the new rules," Gotink concludes.

The legislation is expected to be officially confirmed during the plenary session on 16 September.