The new customs duty dramatically decreased the volumes of Chinese parcels – Finnish Commerce Federation: The EU’s actions have an impact
Customs’ recent statistics show that the new customs duty introduced by the EU in July has reduced the volume of low-value e-commerce shipments arriving from outside the EU by nearly 80 per cent. According to the Finnish Commerce Federation, the development shows that the EU has effective means to address unfair competition and ensure the same rules for all companies operating in the market.
According to Customs’ statistics*, the volume of consignments worth less than EUR 150 ordered by Finnish consumers increased rapidly in 2024, and the growth continued to accelerate in 2025. However, the growth slowed down this year, and the most significant change took place in July 2026 as the EU’s new custom duty entered into force.
According to Customs, the volume of low-value consignments in July decreased by 66.5 per cent from the previous month and by 76.3 per cent from the previous year. At the same time, the relief from customs duty for consignments worth less than EUR 150 from outside the EU was abolished, which brought so-called Chinese parcels to the same level with other imports.
“The customs duty seems to have had a major impact on the behaviour of at least Finnish consumers. This shows that, if willing, the EU can take swift and effective measures to promote equal competitive conditions and consumer safety,” says Kari Luoto, Managing Director of the Finnish Commerce Federation.
In August, the Finnish Commerce Federation investigated consumers’ online visits to Chinese e-commerce platforms. According to the report**, the number of online visits to Chinese e-commerce platforms from Finland has decreased in 2026. This trend also indicates a decrease in purchases.
More measures are needed to ensure fair competition
According to the Finnish Commerce Federation, the customs duty is an important step towards fairer competition, but the EU must continue to take action to ensure fair rules for the market.
The Finnish Commerce Federation emphasises that the reforms concerning EU product legislation, market surveillance and consumer protection legislation to be presented later this autumn must ensure that e-commerce operators outside the EU will also comply with the same obligations as European companies. In addition, the full participation of sellers outside the EU in producer responsibility costs must be ensured in connection with circular economy regulation.
“Competition is always in the interests of consumers, but it is essential that companies have the same rules. From the perspective of the competitiveness of companies and jobs, rapid measures are needed to correct the unhealthy competitive situation. This is why European legislative work must be accelerated, and the Finnish government must also actively promote the matter,” says Luoto.
For further information, please contact: Kari Luoto, Managing Director, Finnish Commerce Federation, tel. +358 (0) 400 688 708, kari.luoto(at)kauppa.fi
**Kaupan liiton selvitys: Suomalaisten verkkovierailut kiinalaisille verkkokauppa-alustoille vähentyneet vuoden aikana