From July 1, the European Union applies a new €3 duty on low-value consignments entering the bloc. The measure targets small parcels, aimed at addressing a rise in low-value shipments—particularly from outside Europe—by introducing a standardized charge for these items. The rule is set to apply across the EU’s 27 member states, meaning consumers and businesses in different countries face the same basic fee when eligible parcels are imported. The impact depends on how a parcel is classified and whether it falls under the low-value category covered by the charge. For recipients, the additional cost may show up at the point of delivery or at the time customs processing occurs, depending on the delivery and customs handling arrangements used by the carrier or postal operator. For senders and online sellers, the change can affect pricing and logistics for cross-border orders that rely on inexpensive shipments. Overall, the policy is designed to reduce the volume of low-value imports by making them slightly more costly at the border while maintaining a simple, uniform approach for small parcels.