An Post CEO and 19 European Postal Groups Seek 6-Month Delay for €3 Parcel Charge

An Post CEO David McRedmond and 19 other European postal groups have requested a six-month delay to the July 1st introduction of a €3 charge on small parcels from non-EU online purchases. In a May 29th letter to European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, the chief executives stated the deadline would severely impact SMEs, consumers, and cross-border ecommerce.

The postal chiefs argued that the final legal text would be available only four weeks before the July 1st deadline, making full compliance impossible for businesses. They noted that while significant progress was made on a payment system, its transition depends on the readiness of non-EU postal operators, ecommerce platforms, and SMEs.

Currently, ecommerce packages valued at €150 or less from outside the EU are exempt from customs duty. From July 1st, a €3 duty per item will apply to goods bought online from non-EU countries, including the UK. The postal operators, including DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer, warned that the levy could create trade tensions and negatively impact European consumers, potentially leading to millions of returned parcels. They also highlighted that postal imports represent less than 5% of total import volume from China in most EU member states, primarily serving low-value traffic and SME exports.

The European Commission spokesperson confirmed they are assessing the letter but indicated the July 1st deadline remains unchanged, citing constant contact with stakeholders since January and the recent publication of a guidance document.