Online shopping in Croatia to change as EU imposes €3 charge on low-value goods

The European Union will introduce a fixed customs duty of €3 on low-value goods purchased online, in a move aimed at reshaping the fast-growing e-commerce sector across the bloc, including Croatia.

The new measure will come into force on 1 July 2026 and will apply to goods valued at less than €150. These items currently account for approximately 93% of all e-commerce shipments entering the EU, HRT reported.

Importantly, the €3 charge will not be applied per parcel, but per individual item within each shipment. The measure is designed to create a more level playing field between online retailers, particularly those based outside the EU, and traditional brick-and-mortar shops.

Authorities say the new system will also require online platforms and sellers to notify EU customs immediately after a sale via a centralised customs data hub, improving oversight and efficiency.

Demand for low-value goods has surged in recent years, with an estimated 200 such packages entering the EU every second. These products are typically inexpensive and sold in large volumes through global platforms.

Retail experts suggest that while consumers are unlikely to abandon such purchases entirely, the new fee may curb impulse buying habits driven by ultra-low prices and bulk ordering incentives.

The move comes alongside tighter regulation of major international e-commerce platforms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

Platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress are already under investigation over concerns related to the sale of non-compliant or unsafe products within the European market.

EU officials have stressed that the goal is to ensure a safer digital marketplace, regardless of where products originate.

Experts warn that many low-cost imported goods come with uncertain quality standards. Recent research conducted in France found that out of 600 tested products, 75% failed to meet EU compliance standards, while 46% were deemed potentially dangerous.

Consumer awareness is expected to play a key role going forward, with calls for better education on product safety and purchasing decisions.

Beyond safety concerns, officials have highlighted the environmental consequences of mass-produced, low-value goods, many of which are quickly discarded.

The economic impact on European industries is also significant. The EU clothing sector is estimated to lose nearly €12 billion annually due to such imports, while the cosmetics industry faces losses of around €3 billion, and the toy industry approximately €1 billion.

For Croatian consumers, the change is likely to bring modest price increases on small online purchases, particularly from non-EU sellers. While the €3 fee may seem minimal, its per-item application could significantly affect bulk orders.