Dutch Government Scraps Own Tax on Chinese Package Deliveries

The Dutch government is removing a national tax on parcels imported from China, according to a June 14, 2026, report by De Telegraaf. The decision aims to lower costs for consumers using Chinese e-commerce platforms and align national customs procedures with broader European Union trade standards.

The move targets a specific national levy that previously added to the cost of low-value shipments. This tax functioned as a surcharge on top of the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) required by EU law.

The removal of this fee is expected to reduce the final price of goods purchased from major Chinese platforms, including Temu, Shein, and AliExpress.

Why is the Netherlands removing the tax on Chinese parcels?

The Dutch government is scrapping the levy to reduce administrative friction and lower the financial barrier for consumers, according to De Telegraaf. The national tax often created a discrepancy between the advertised price on e-commerce sites and the final cost paid upon delivery.

This decision follows a trend of streamlining customs processes across the Eurozone. By eliminating the national-level surcharge, the Netherlands simplifies the import chain for the high volume of small packages entering the country via air and sea freight.

The policy change addresses long-standing complaints from consumers regarding “hidden” costs that appeared during the customs clearance process.

How does this change impact consumers and e-commerce platforms?

Consumers will see a reduction in the total cost of Chinese imports, though the exact savings depend on the specific value of the shipment. The removal of the national tax eliminates one layer of the pricing structure for cross-border shopping.

For platforms like Temu and Shein, the move likely increases the competitiveness of their pricing in the Dutch market. These companies rely on high-volume, low-cost shipping models that are sensitive to additional per-package levies.

The change contrasts with the EU’s 2021 decision to remove the €22 VAT exemption for all imports. While the 2021 rule increased the cost of very cheap items by requiring VAT on every single parcel, the 2026 Dutch move removes a separate national layer of taxation.

What remains in place for imports from China?

The removal of the national tax does not eliminate all import costs. Standard EU VAT still applies to all goods entering the Netherlands from China, regardless of the item’s value.

Most Chinese platforms use the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system, which allows them to collect VAT at the point of sale. This system remains the primary mechanism for tax collection on these shipments.

Additionally, separate handling fees charged by postal carriers, such as PostNL, may still apply. These fees are private corporate charges for processing customs documentation and are not government taxes.

The current regulatory framework for these imports includes:

• EU VAT: Mandatory for all imports into the Netherlands.
• Customs Duties: Applicable to goods exceeding specific value thresholds.
• Carrier Fees: Private charges for delivery and customs handling.

The elimination of the national surcharge removes the government’s direct role in adding a secondary fee to these transactions, leaving only the mandatory EU-wide taxes and private logistics costs.