Shein and Temu Orders to Germany Getting More Expensive: What to Know

Introduction

If you regularly order clothes, gadgets or household items from Shein, Temu or similar low-cost online platforms, your shopping bill is about to increase. The European Commission has announced it will impose an additional 2-euro customs levy on low-value imports coming into Germany. For expats and immigrants in Germany who rely on these platforms to stretch their budget, this is a practical change worth understanding before your next order arrives.

What Is the New Levy?

The European Commission has announced a 2-euro customs charge on low-value imports to Germany. Low-value imports are typically small parcels sent directly from outside the European Union — the kind of packages that platforms like Shein and Temu dispatch in enormous volumes directly to European consumers.

Until now, these parcels benefited from a customs exemption that allowed goods below a certain value to enter the EU without import duties. That exemption has been widely criticised for giving non-EU retailers a competitive advantage over European businesses, which must comply with VAT and import rules. The new levy is part of a broader effort by the European Commission to address this imbalance.

The additional 2 euros may appear small on any single order, but for frequent shoppers or those who place multiple orders each month, the costs will add up.

Why Is This Happening?

The rise of ultra-low-cost e-commerce platforms shipping directly from outside the EU — particularly from China — has prompted significant concern among European policymakers and retailers. European businesses argue the current system is unfair because they must charge VAT and meet product safety and labelling standards, while overseas competitors can undercut them by selling through platforms that have historically benefited from low-value import exemptions.

The European Commission's move is consistent with a wider regulatory push to bring large e-commerce platforms under stricter EU rules, including the Digital Services Act and ongoing customs reform discussions. The 2-euro levy is presented as one step in rebalancing the playing field.

What Does This Mean for Shoppers in Germany?

In practical terms, orders from platforms like Shein and Temu will become more expensive. The extra charge may be applied at checkout, added to delivery costs, or collected on arrival — the exact mechanism will depend on how retailers and logistics companies implement the change.

For expats in Germany who use these platforms to buy affordable clothing, homeware or electronics, it is worth factoring this additional cost into your shopping decisions. If you order frequently, consider whether consolidating orders or exploring EU-based alternatives makes more financial sense going forward.

It is also worth noting that Germany is not the only country affected — this is a European Commission measure, meaning it is likely to apply across EU member states, not only in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to all online orders from outside the EU?

The announcement specifically refers to low-value imports. Orders from platforms based outside the EU that ship small parcels directly to consumers in Germany — such as Shein and Temu — are the primary target. Higher-value purchases already attract customs duties under existing rules, so the change is most noticeable for the kind of inexpensive items these platforms are known for.

When will the change take effect?

The source does not specify an exact date when the levy will come into force. Keep an eye on official European Commission announcements and updates from the platforms you use for the most current timeline.

Will prices on Shein and Temu go up automatically?

That depends on how each platform chooses to pass on the cost. Some may absorb the levy, others may add it visibly to the order total or delivery fee. Check the platform's pricing and checkout information when you place your next order.

Conclusion and Next Steps

A 2-euro customs levy on low-value imports from outside the EU is coming to Germany. If you shop on platforms like Shein or Temu, your orders will cost more. The change is part of a broader EU effort to level the playing field between European and non-European online retailers.

For now, the most practical step is to be aware of the change and factor it into your online shopping habits. Watch for updates from the platforms you use and from the European Commission for the precise implementation date and any further details.

Source: iamexpat