EU adds 2 euro fee on online parcels from outside the EU

From 1 November, the European Union (EU) applies a new 2 euro handling fee on each category of online parcels bought from sellers outside the EU, including in Algeria.

Algérie 360 reported that families sending parcels between Algeria and France are asking whether they must pay. The answer depends on whether the parcel comes from a purchase or from a relative.

The new fee

The fee is 2 euros for each category of items in an online order from outside the EU, whatever the value of the order.

The fee helps pay for customs checks, and a European campaign found that more than 60% of the items checked did not meet standards.

The fee comes on top of a flat customs duty of 3 euros for each category, in place since 1 July for parcels worth up to 150 euros.

The example is an order of three t-shirts and a pair of shoes, which counts as two categories. By its calculation, the order pays 4 euros in fees and 6 euros in duties, or 10 euros in total.

These sums are due from platforms, sellers or carriers, who remain free to raise prices, so buyers of Temu, Shein or AliExpress risk paying more.

Family parcels

The fee applies only to distance sales, meaning goods sold online by a business based outside the EU. A parcel sent by a parent, friend or relative from Algeria is not part of it, because there is no purchase and no seller.

Parcels sent from one person to another follow their own rules, which have not changed.

Families sending clothes, gifts or souvenirs from Algeria therefore do not pay these 2 euros.

A parcel sent by a private person from Algeria to a relative in France enters without tax if its value does not exceed 45 euros.

It must not involve any payment or exchange, and it must be occasional and for personal or family use.

Above 45 euros, VAT and any customs duties that apply are due on the total value, not only on the part above 45 euros.

A phone worth 300 euros sent by a relative is therefore taxed on its full value. The sender must state clearly on the customs declaration that it is a gift, with the nature and real value of the contents.

A precise declaration helps avoid delays and unpleasant surprises when the parcel is delivered in France. La Poste can, on behalf of customs, claim any taxes due from the person receiving the parcel.

Goods bought in Algeria

The position changes when a buyer orders a product online from a seller in Algeria who ships it to France.

This is a distance sale from a country outside the EU, so the 2 euro fees per category apply.

The 3 euro flat duties are added if the order does not exceed 150 euros.

The seller or carrier pays these sums, but may include them in the price or the delivery charge.

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