EuroCommerce urges customs reform and unified EU handling fee to safeguard fair competition

Brussels - EuroCommerce, the voice of European retailers and wholesalers, has called on EU policymakers to expedite negotiations on the reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC), stressing the urgent need for a centrally applied EU-wide handling fee to address the growing challenge posed by individual e-commerce shipments from outside the Union. 

EuroCommerce argues that the reform is critical to modernising EU customs procedures, restoring fair competition, protecting consumers, and ensuring effective enforcement. With the exponential rise in low-value consignments entering the EU, EuroCommerce warns that fragmented national approaches risk undermining the integrity of the Single Market. 

“We need one EU handling fee – not fragmentation,” said Christel Delberghe, Director General of EuroCommerce. 

The proposed EU handling fee is a strategic instrument to incentivise bulk imports over individual shipments, thereby facilitating customs enforcement. EuroCommerce insists that the EU handling fee is implemented centrally by the Commission to avoid border-shopping and regulatory divergence.  

Christel Delberghe, added: “We urge the trilogue parties to take a clear position here and prevent the emergence of diverging regimes on handling fees across the Member States. Several EU member states have already proposed national handling fees. A swift, harmonised EU solution is essential, as such proposals risk fragmentation and undermining the level playing field.” 

EuroCommerce also supports abolishing the €150 de minimis threshold, which currently exempts low-value imports from customs duties. Although not part of the current trilogue discussions, EuroCommerce views this measure as vital to combat unfair competition from non-compliant sellers outside the EU. 

In addition to the handling fee and the abolishment of the de minimis threshold, EuroCommerce has outlined several key recommendations to ensure the success of the UCC reform: 

• Clarification of the “deemed importer” concept and its interaction with broader EU legislation; 
• Establishment of a strong European Customs Authority to ensure uniform implementation, provide operational guidance, and facilitate stakeholders engagement; 
• Industry involvement in piloting the EU Customs Data Hub, ensuring a smooth digital transition; 
• Equal rights for EFTA-based entities and preservation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status alongside the new Trust and Check programme, particularly to support SMEs. 

EuroCommerce emphasises the importance of a collaborative approach to implementation, calling for clear guidance, realistic timelines, and active stakeholder engagement to ensure the reform delivers a modern, fair, and efficient EU customs system. 

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More details about the full EuroCommerce position on a swift conclusion of the Union Customs Code Reform here.