Written question – End of customs exemption for small packages worth less than EUR 150 – E-001548/2025

Question for written answer  E-001548/2025
to the Council
Rule 144
Pierre Jouvet (S&D)

Over the past three years, Europe has seen a massive influx of products imported from China via e-commerce platforms that do not comply with European safety standards. Sent directly to consumers, they are exempt from customs controls and are exempt from charges, as their value is less than EUR 150.

The volume of these products doubles each year. A US decree signed on 8 April 2025 provides for a tripling of tariffs on such parcels arriving in the US. This measure could induce China to redirect these export flows to the EU, further increasing the volume of imports.

• 1.What does the EU plan to do to speed up the end of the customs exemption for such imports? Work on the reform of the Customs Union Code is progressing slowly. Will this reform be completed in time to be implemented in 2028, and is the EU prepared to bring this exemption to an end more swiftly?
• 2.What certainty is there that China will honour the commitments it made during Commissioner Šefčovič’s visit to the country?

Submitted: 16.4.2025