The Netherlands is preparing to introduce a new handling fee on low-value e-commerce parcels arriving from outside the European Union, joining several other European countries that have recently taken similar measures. Governments across Europe are implementing such policies to relieve pressure on customs systems that are struggling under heavy workloads.
Dutch authorities are considering a fee ranging from €0.50 to €2 per item for products valued under €150. The initiative aligns with similar regulations announced by France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, which are expected to take effect in early 2026. The primary driver behind these measures is the surge of millions of low-value parcels entering EU countries mostly from Asian marketplaces, particularly in China.
According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, policymakers in The Hague are concerned that if neighbouring countries apply their fees earlier, major e-commerce platforms may redirect shipments to Dutch hubs such as Schiphol Airport or the Port of Rotterdam to avoid the extra cost. This diversion could result in significant customs bottlenecks.
EU-Wide Fee on the Way, but Months Until Implementation
The European Union is developing an EU-wide handling fee as part of its broader customs reform strategy. However, the measure is not expected to take effect until November 2026. The Netherlands and the Benelux countries argue that this timeline is too late to alleviate the mounting pressure on national customs systems.
A European Commission spokesperson previously stated that the fee aims to eliminate the fragmented structure created by unilateral decisions of member states and to establish a “fair and harmonised framework.” Until then, however, many countries appear determined to move forward with their own national measures.
Warnings from Dutch Industry Representatives: Market Disruptions Likely
Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN), a leading industry association, supports an EU-wide harmonised fee but warns that implementing national fees too early could cause significant market distortions.
ACN notes that Dutch parcel carriers may not have sufficient time to adjust their systems to collect the new fees. The organisation also predicts potential job losses if shipments are rerouted through countries that do not impose such fees—such as Lithuania, the Czech Republic, or Hungary before being transported back into Western Europe.
In its statement, ACN said: “We recognise the need to strengthen customs capacity to manage the extraordinary rise in e-commerce volumes. However, a fee applied at the EU level is the only balanced and effective solution. National measures may shift air cargo flows to other countries, increase consumer costs, and weaken oversight of product safety.”
European Customs Systems Under Heavy Pressure Due to Asian Parcels
The surge in low-value e-commerce imports—mostly small parcels shipped from Asian marketplaces such as Temu and Shein—has exposed vulnerabilities in the EU customs infrastructure. Reports from multiple institutions, including the European Court of Auditors, highlight major challenges, including:
- Millions of low-value parcels with inaccurate declarations
- Insufficient staff for physical inspections
- Health and safety risks posed by unregulated goods
- Increasing pressure on postal and express delivery operators
France and Belgium have warned that without new fees and tighter controls, their national customs systems could “collapse under current volume growth.”
A Critical Year for Europe’s E-Commerce Regulations
The Netherlands’ proposal indicates that EU countries are becoming increasingly divergent in their responses to the e-commerce surge. While there is broad support for a harmonised solution, different implementation timelines may create new bottlenecks and market distortions across the logistics chain.
Until the EU’s comprehensive customs reform is fully implemented, European governments must navigate a delicate balance: protecting national logistics capacity while avoiding unintended economic consequences. The Dutch government is expected to announce its next steps in early 2026 following consultations with industry stakeholders.
