Europe: Reshaping World Trade and New Import Obligations in 2026

Key Takeaways

The industry is witnessing a profound reorganization of global trade in 2026. According to Le Moci (12 April 2026), Europe is capturing a growing share of trade flows, driven by regulatory pressure on e-commerce and the industrial strategies of Member States.

Key Points

• 4.6 billion parcels were imported into the Union in 2025, with 91% coming from China (fashionunited.uk, 8 April 2026)
• The European Commission implemented a new liability framework for platforms in April 2026: mandatory customs declaration for each product, fixed tax, and obligation to check goods at source
• Adoption of these measures requires importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to adapt their product classification, customs declaration, and compliance procedures

Context and Challenges

The industry sees a paradigm shift. On one hand, the European industrial strategy is asserting itself through the implementation of the European Chips Act and increased R&D investments (mashaher.net, 10 April 2026). On the other hand, rising pressure on small parcel flows from China is prompting an overhaul of customs obligations, especially for textile tariff classifications and product safety compliance (DGCCRF tests: 70% non-compliant, 45% dangerous).

Professionals must register and implement the end of the de minimis exemption for imports under €150, the introduction of a €3 fee per item, and increased inspection rates. Legal responsibility now lies with e-commerce platforms instead of individual sellers. Source: "E-commerce: China issues new guidelines", fashionunited.uk, 8 April 2026.

Impact for the Industry

Customs brokers must apply reinforced controls, including the use of digital verification tools (Fastsort-Textile). Importers are accountable for correct tariff classification, compliance with EU legislation, and payment of the specific tax. Platforms, newly responsible, must ensure that each shipped product complies with TARIC codes and EU product safety legislation. Freight forwarders should allow for additional lead times due to tripled inspections starting in April 2026.

Next Steps

• 6 April 2026: Enactment of strengthened e-commerce framework (tax, inspections, responsibilities)
• Tripling of entry inspections into the EU announced for 2026-2027
• Bilateral negotiations on EU-China trade facilitation expected by the end of 2026
• Progressive shift of "local supply bases" for major e-commerce players in Europe, beginning in the second half of 2026

4.6 billion parcels imported into the EU in 2025 – new customs obligations from April 2026.

Source: Le Moci, 12 April 2026 – fashionunited.uk, 8 April 2026 – mashaher.net, 10 April 2026