The European Union is preparing a major shift in how low-value imports are treated, and the logistics industry is directly in the crosshairs. According to Reuters, the European Commission wants to “accelerate the removal of the 150-euro de-minimis threshold” on small parcels entering the EU, many of which originate from China. Reuters reports that 4.6 billion small packages enter the EU each year, most from Chinese e-commerce platforms, creating what EU officials describe as an “imbalance” in competition and a growing customs-avoidance loophole.

Removing the de minimis threshold could increase compliance costs for businesses and customs authorities by €2.3 billion, assuming all other factors remain constant. Copenhagen Economics This cost burden may ultimately be passed on to EU consumers, potentially raising the average annual cost for online shoppers by around €62. Copenhagen Economics Such changes will affect brokers, forwarders in both operational and financial ways. Preparing early can help mitigate risk, maintain compliance, and continue serving clients effectively. Reuturs

Implications for Brokers and Forwarders:

The upcoming regulatory shifts for low-value parcels will challenge forwarders and brokers with higher volumes, more complex declarations, and stricter compliance requirements.

Higher Costs & Margin Pressure: With the removal of the de minimis exemption, more parcels will incur duties or fees, increasing the cost of handling and compliance. Taxation and Customs Union

Operational Complexity: More parcels will need customs declarations, possibly safety checks, VAT, more documentation. Taxation and Customs Union Brokers may need to scale up their customs team/tech quickly.

Cash Flow / Pricing Risk: Because costs will shift, forwarders/brokers will need to revisit their pricing models, possibly renegotiate contracts, or absorb more risk.

Regulatory Risk: There may be transitional or temporary systems (“simplified temporary customs fee”) while full reform rolls out. Reuters

Competitive Landscape: Some players may drop low-value parcel business, or forwarders may specialize in “regulated low-value parcel” flows. Also risk of fragmented national implementations: while there is an EU-wide plan, some member states may introduce different national fees. Reuters

Client Risk: Your customers (importers, online sellers) may be surprised by new costs or delays, and will likely need support navigating. Importers may resist passing cost increases to end customers or may change their sourcing. Copenhagen Economics+2Copenhagen Economics+2

How Portway Can Help Forwarders Navigate the Changes

Partnering with a BPO like Portway International can turn these challenges into opportunities for efficiency and accuracy.

Customs Brokerage Outsourcing

Portway helps forwarders establish clear, scalable processes for parcel declarations and documentation management, reducing the burden on internal teams.

24/7 Shipment Processing

High parcel volumes, especially during peak seasons, are handled reliably with around-the-clock processing, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Customs Compliance Solutions

Portway ensures shipments meet all regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of penalties or delays while keeping operations compliant with evolving EU rules.

Freight Forwarding Support

Operational workflows are streamlined to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance client satisfaction.

Duty Drawback Programs

Eligible duties are reclaimed through managed drawback services, freeing internal staff to focus on strategic tasks and higher-value work.

Global Security Filings & ISF Compliance

Portway completes required filings across jurisdictions, ensuring shipments meet security and import regulations.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Administration & HS Classification

Portway handles FTA documentation and accurate product classification to maximize cost savings and ensure compliance.

Training & Process Optimization

Staff training, workflow standardization, and operational optimization ensure forwarders can adapt to new rules efficiently while maintaining high productivity.

Brokers and Forwarders must begin preparing now before rules take full effect. With a partner like Portway Intl by your side, you can reduce risk, save cost, and ensure compliance in this volatile market.

Let’s build a compliance roadmap together! Contact us at https://portwayintl.com/contact/ to ensure you are ready for what is to come!

 List of Sources

1. EU plans 2 euro fee for low-value parcels in setback for Shein, Temu — Reuters Reuturs
2. Brussels wants to accelerate crackdown on cheap Chinese parcels — Reuters Reuters
3. E‑commerce: 150 EUR customs duty exemption threshold to be removed as of 2026 — DG Taxation & Customs Union (EU) Taxation and Customs Union
4. Study on the EU proposed customs duty de minimis removal — Copenhagen Economics Copenhagen Economics+2Copenhagen Economics+

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