The Cyprus Customs Department has recorded a decline in the number of parcels arriving from online shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein following the introduction of a temporary €3 customs duty. Meanwhile, new Temu and Shein charges could further affect consumer prices as the European Union prepares to introduce an additional parcel handling fee under its customs reform.
Speaking on SIGMA’s Protoselido programme, Customs Department spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou said the number of parcels arriving in Cyprus through these platforms has fallen since the temporary duty was introduced last July.
He explained that the initial decline may have been due to consumers rushing to place orders before the duty came into effect, as well as the summer holiday period. However, with the downward trend continuing into September, authorities believe the measure is beginning to influence shopping habits.
Constantinou said the temporary duty appears to be having its intended effect, with consumers now considering more carefully whether ordering products from these platforms remains worthwhile.
According to the spokesperson, one of the measure’s objectives is to address distortions in trade caused by the growing number of consumers turning to China-based online shopping platforms.
He added that there are indications of a return to shopping from businesses operating within the European Union.
Constantinou also clarified that the decline in orders is not limited to Cyprus. He said Greek customs officials reported a similar trend during a recent two-day meeting of customs administrations held in Cyprus.
Additional parcel handling fee planned
Turning to upcoming measures at European level, Constantinou explained that an additional handling fee for parcels entering the European Union has been agreed as part of the new customs reform.
He said the measure is linked to the growing volume of parcels that customs services must inspect, creating additional demands for staff, equipment and inspection time.
The exact amount of the fee has not yet been determined and remains under discussion at European level.
According to Constantinou, the charge will be calculated according to each type of item contained in a parcel.
Could consumers face higher prices?
Constantinou explained that the handling fee is expected to be paid by online shopping platforms rather than directly by consumers, as the reform treats the platforms as the importers of these parcels into the European Union.
However, he believes the platforms are likely to increase their prices, ultimately passing the additional cost on to shoppers.
As a result, alongside the existing temporary €3 duty, the proposed handling fee could become another factor affecting the final cost of online purchases from platforms such as Temu and Shein.
For consumers, the new Temu and Shein charges could therefore make the price difference between ordering from overseas platforms and shopping within the European Union increasingly important.
Also Read: Car crashes into pet shop in Limassol, causing damage to premises
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
