The European Commission released its Communication on a Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-Commerce on 5 February, aiming to take action to tackle risks stemming from low-value imports sold via non-EU online retailers and marketplaces hosting non-EU traders.

UKFT would like to point out the changes to the De Minimis rule will impact UK sales into the EU.

These actions are part of the Communication on E-Commerce, ‘A Comprehensive EU Toolbox for Safe and Sustainable E-commerce’, which the Commission is proposing today. The Commission encourages actions, among others, in the areas of customs and trade, such as launching customs controls, consumer protection and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts.

Approximately 4.6 billion low-value consignments (€150 or less) entered the EU last year – 12 million parcels daily – double the 2023 figure and triple that of 2022. Many were non-compliant with EU laws, according to the Commission.

“This exponential growth is raising numerous concerns,” the Commission announced. “Mainly, there are more and more harmful products entering the EU. More so, European sellers, who respect our high product standards, are at risk of being harmed by unfair practices and the sale of counterfeit goods through online marketplaces. Finally, the large number of packages being shipped and transported has a negative environmental and climate footprint.”

The Commission believes European consumers should have access to convenient, affordable, high quality and safe products bought online, while businesses should benefit from a level playing field in the Single Market.

The document outlines all the tools currently at the EU’s disposal and initiatives that are being discussed by legislators. In addition, it proposes new joint actions to address these issues.

Euratex, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation of which UKFT is a member, has outlined the key highlights for the fashion and textile industry including:

• Stronger Enforcement of EU Product Regulations
  The Commission recognises the surge in ecommerce imports, particularly from non-EU marketplaces, and the associated risks of unsafe, counterfeit, and non-compliant products. It emphasizes the need for robust enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) and tighter customs controls.
• Removal of the De Minimis Rule and accelerated revision of the Union Customs Code
  To prevent unfair advantages for foreign sellers, the Commission proposes eliminating the €150 customs duty exemption for low-value goods, ensuring that all products entering the EU meet the same fiscal and regulatory standards as those produced domestically. Moreover, the revision of the UCC should be accelerated and finalised by the end of 2026. A so called “handling fee” shall replace the de minimis rule and shall for now be up to the Member States to decide on. The exact modalities on this fee need to be defined by the European Parliament and the Member States throughout the next years.
• Enhanced Market Surveillance and Customs Control
  New coordinated EU-wide enforcement actions will focus on identifying and blocking non-compliant textile and apparel imports, with a priority control area for customs targeting high-risk products sold via e-commerce platforms. It is also foreseen to create a European Customs Authority that goes hand in hand with a Market Surveillance Authority to fight against the high amount of non-compliant goods coming from outside the EU. They should get assisted by a new Data Hub to facilitate the cooperation.

We will be monitoring the situation closely and update further in due course. Members with questions should email info@ukft.org