E-commerce, also the EU Parliament against duty exemption for products under €150

Brussels – No more exemption for parcels and packages costing less than €150, but above all, a large European warehousing and sorting centre for goods control and quality checks that is consumer-proof. When it comes to e-commerce and the management of online purchases, for the European Parliament, the watchword is “security” in the broadest sense of the term. Thus, in the legislative process for the e-commerce reform, the Parliament opts for a closure of the single market to substandard goods from non-EU e-shops. 

By a large majority (619 votes in favour, 26 against, and 46 abstentions), the European Parliament approved a resolution calling for third-country sellers to establish warehouses within the EU from which they deliver to customers. In this way, shipments would be checked en bloc and would be much easier than checking individual parcels at customs. 

The text approved supports, in principle, the Commission’s proposal to introduce a handling fee of €2 per parcel from outside the EU, as indicated in the communication on e-commerce. However, MEPs ask the Commission to check that this amount is proportionate, complies with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and is not passed on to European consumers.

Parliament also supports the Commission in its proposal to remove the current exemption from customs duties for goods with a value of less than €150. The reason for this position is that, because of this exemption, 65 per cent of parcels entering the EU are deliberately underestimated. On this point, the chamber wants to remain firm: the removal of the exemption will be defended in the inter-institutional negotiations on the reform of the Customs Code.

This stance heralds a less complicated confrontation than expected with the Council, where important countries are already in favour of withdrawing the favourable regime. 

Salvatore De Meo (FI/PPE), rapporteur of the text, is satisfied: “It is not acceptable that our companies, which comply with strict fiscal, environmental, and social standards, should have to compete with non-EU operators who often evade rules and controls,” he said. “This vote gives a clear message: the same rules must apply to everyone, regardless of the country of origin of the product.” 

On the same wavelength is Pierfrancesco Maran (PD/S&D), member of the Internal Market Committee of the European Parliament: “Stricter European rules on e-commerce are needed to counter the entry of unsafe low-cost products, protect consumers, and ensure fair competition in the face of the exorbitant influx of Asian products.”