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Why your Temu or SHEIN order costs more since July 2026

Updated 16 October 2026

Since 1 July 2026, every parcel worth up to €150 that comes from outside the EU pays customs duty. Most shoppers in Luxembourg haven't noticed yet.

What changed

Until 30 June 2026, parcels worth €150 or less entered the EU without customs duty. That exemption has been removed. Low-value parcels from outside the EU now pay a temporary flat duty of €3 per customs declaration line, which in practice means per type of item in the parcel (ECC-Net, fulfilment.com).

It applies whatever country the goods come from, including the UK, the US and China, and also when the website looks European but ships from elsewhere.

What didn't change

VAT. Goods from outside the EU always paid VAT, and they still do. Many large platforms collect Luxembourg VAT (17% for most goods) at checkout. If they don't, it is charged when the parcel arrives, usually with a handling fee from the carrier.

Who pays the €3?

You do, one way or another. Some platforms add it to the price at checkout. Others leave it to the carrier to collect on delivery. Check your order summary before paying, so you know whether it is already included.

What's coming next

The flat €3 is temporary. From 1 July 2028, it is due to be replaced by a percentage-based duty (ECC-Net). An extra EU-wide handling fee has also been discussed but not confirmed.

How to avoid paying more than you need to

• Check whether the item ships from an EU warehouse. Many platforms offer this, and then no customs duty applies.
• Fewer types of item per parcel means less duty. Five different products cost more in duty than five of the same thing.
• Compare the real total against an EU shop. Amazon's EU stores deliver to Luxembourg with no customs at all.

This guide explains the general rules and is not tax advice. For a specific parcel, the carrier's customs notice is what counts.