EU adds €2 handling charge on family parcels from non‑EU countries

From Sunday, family parcels sent from outside the EU will be subject to a new €2 handling charge, on top of the temporary €3 levy introduced in July for small packages under €150.

The European Commission said the €3 charge was intended to protect the competitiveness of European businesses by leveling the playing field between e‑commerce and traditional retail. The additional €2 fee is described as a customs handling charge to cover extra staff needed to process the increased volume of parcels.

Consumer columnist Caitriona Redmond explained that, although the fee is presented as being paid by the seller, it will ultimately be passed on to Irish consumers through higher delivery costs or product prices. She noted that shoppers who frequently order from sites such as Amazon UK, Shein or Temu are likely to feel the impact most.

The handling charge also applies to parcels arriving from Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia, meaning that even gifts sent by family members abroad will incur the extra cost.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels.