Concerns are rising over the European Union’s proposed flat-rate customs levy on small package shipments, with the head of the German Customs Union (BDZ), Thomas Liebel, voicing strong opposition. The initiative, dubbed the “E-commerce tax” aims to curb the competitive advantage of low-cost online retailers like Temu and Shein, which rely heavily on direct deliveries from China.
Liebel highlighted the overwhelming volume of parcels arriving at European airports via air freight as the core challenge. These billions of packages often contain goods of minimal value, yielding only a few cents in import VAT per item. He emphasized that the complexity of the manual verification process for these shipments, still requiring physical forms, renders the current system unsustainable.
Beyond the sheer workload, Liebel expressed worries about compliance and safety. Many of these products lack CE certification or contain materials not permitted within the EU. Counterfeit branded goods necessitate referral to already overburdened market surveillance authorities, frequently leading to the destruction or return of shipments. “The time spent dealing with Shein leggings detracts from critical investigations such as those involving cocaine shipments” he cautioned.
To alleviate the pressure on customs officials, Liebel advocated for a change in protocol, allowing customs officers to directly return non-compliant goods. This, he argues, would not only streamline operations but also serve as a deterrent for consumers purchasing potentially unsafe or illicit products. The proposal aims to strike a balance between regulating the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector and ensuring the efficient functioning of customs procedures.