Starting 1 July, online purchases from platforms like Temu and Shein have become more expensive for Greek consumers. A new €3 import duty now applies to low-value consignments shipped from outside the European Union — a measure expected to significantly raise final costs for millions of shoppers, especially those buying very inexpensive items that form the core of such e-commerce platforms’ appeal.
How the €3 Duty Works
The duty applies exclusively to private online purchases from non-EU countries where the total value of a shipment does not exceed €150. Crucially, it is levied per distinct product type, not per order — meaning the more different kinds of items in a single package, the higher the total charge.
For example:
- Three identical T-shirts in one parcel incur a single €3 duty.
- One T-shirt, one pair of sunglasses, and one phone case in the same parcel trigger three separate €3 duties — totaling €9.
Differences in material also count as separate product types. A silk blouse and a wool sweater — even if both are ‘blouses’ — fall under different customs tariff classifications and therefore each attracts its own €3 fee. So a parcel containing one silk blouse and two wool sweaters would be subject to a €6 total duty (€3 for each category).
Who Pays — and When?
The duty is collected by Greek customs authorities from the importer’s declarant — which could be the platform itself (e.g., Temu or Shein), the seller, the courier, or an authorized representative, depending on how the shipment is managed. In practice, this cost is expected to be passed on to the end consumer — either at checkout or just before delivery.
What About VAT and Returns?
This new duty does not replace VAT. When purchases are made via the EU’s Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system, VAT continues to be charged at checkout. In other cases, VAT is collected upon customs clearance.
Regarding returns: if a customer changes their mind and sends an item back, the €3 duty is not refunded. Refunds are only possible in cases defined by customs law — for instance, if the item is defective or fails to meet contractual specifications.
Why Was This Measure Introduced?
According to Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the broader EU regulatory framework, the goal is to counter unfair competition stemming from ultra-low-value imports — particularly those benefiting from previous customs exemptions that gave non-EU sellers an artificial pricing advantage over domestic and EU-based businesses.
The measure is set to remain in force on a provisional basis until 30 June 2028.