Residents of the Canary Islands who regularly shop on platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress could soon find themselves paying more for their purchases, following a new European Union customs charge due to come into force on 1st July 2026.
The measure, approved by the EU Council, will introduce a fixed customs fee of €3 on low-value parcels arriving from countries outside the EU, ending the current exemption that has applied to goods valued at less than €150.
For years, that exemption has helped fuel the rapid growth of low-cost online shopping. However, Brussels says the new charge is designed to tackle unfair competition, strengthen customs controls and discourage the practice of splitting shipments into multiple low-value packages.
Small Purchases Will Feel the Biggest Impact
The new fee is expected to have the greatest effect on everyday purchases such as clothing, footwear, accessories, household items and small electronic devices.
Importantly, the charge will apply per declared product category rather than per parcel. This means a single order containing different types of goods could attract multiple fees.
For example, a package containing a T-shirt and a pair of shoes could incur an additional €6 in charges. Add a mobile phone cable to the same order and the extra cost could rise to €9.
As a result, many low-cost purchases that previously represented excellent value may become significantly less attractive, particularly when the products themselves cost only a few euros.
Additional Challenges for Canary Islands Consumers
The impact could be even greater in the Canary Islands, where residents already face unique tax and customs procedures due to the region's special fiscal status.
Canarian shoppers are familiar with delays, customs declarations and additional costs on certain imports, especially those arriving from outside the European Union.
The introduction of the new EU charge has raised questions about how it will interact with the Canary Islands' existing systems, including IGIC and simplified customs declarations for low-value goods.
The Canary Islands Government is reportedly examining how the new fee can be incorporated without creating further administrative burdens for consumers.
For many residents, online shopping is not simply a matter of convenience. It is often the only practical way to access products that are unavailable locally or considerably more expensive due to the additional costs associated with island life.
Why the EU Is Making the Change
The European Commission has repeatedly highlighted the rapid growth in low-value imports from outside the EU. Billions of such parcels entered the European market in 2024, many originating from Asian e-commerce platforms that have gained popularity through low prices, aggressive marketing campaigns and increasingly fast delivery services.
EU officials argue that the current €150 exemption is outdated and places European retailers at a disadvantage when competing against overseas sellers that may face fewer regulatory obligations and lower operating costs.
While the move is intended to create a fairer marketplace, consumer groups have warned that shoppers will ultimately bear the cost through higher prices and additional fees.
Temporary Measure Until 2028
The €3 customs charge is intended as a temporary solution ahead of a wider EU customs reform planned for 2028.
That future overhaul aims to modernise and digitise import procedures, while introducing greater oversight of online marketplaces, sellers and logistics operators.
Until then, shoppers are being advised to pay closer attention to the final cost of online purchases. Platforms will be expected to display any additional charges during the checkout process, although the overall impact will depend on how individual orders are structured and how the new rules are implemented in territories with special tax arrangements, such as the Canary Islands.
For now, one thing appears certain: from July, shopping on Shein, Temu and AliExpress is set to become more expensive, and for Canary Islands consumers already navigating extra online shopping hurdles, another layer of costs may soon be added.
