New EU Customs Charges: Scams, Shopping Costs & Temu’s Future Explained

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has warned Irish consumers of a rise in customs payment scams following changes to EU import charges. Fraudsters are sending fake messages to solicit payments for nonexistent customs fees as new regulations eliminate VAT exemptions for low-value online purchases, according to reporting from RTE.ie and the Irish Examiner.

The CCPC stated that these scams typically target shoppers who have recently ordered goods from outside the European Union. The fraudulent communications often arrive via SMS or email, mimicking the branding of official customs authorities or recognized courier services to create a sense of urgency, RTE.ie reports.

How do these customs scams work?

Scammers use a technique known as smishing—SMS phishing—to trick users into clicking malicious links. According to the Irish Examiner, these messages claim that a package is being held at a customs depot and requires a small “release fee” or “import tax” to be paid before delivery can proceed.

The links lead to fraudulent websites that mirror official government or postal portals. Once a user enters their credit card or banking details to pay the purported fee, the scammers steal the financial information for unauthorized transactions, the CCPC warns.

The Irish Examiner notes that these scams have increased in frequency as consumers become more accustomed to paying legitimate customs charges on international orders, making the fraudulent requests seem more plausible.

Why are customs charges increasing for online shoppers?

The rise in scams coincides with a shift in EU customs policy that has removed previous tax exemptions for low-value imports. The Irish Times reports that these new charges could signal the end of “cheap online shopping” for many consumers.

Previously, parcels with a value below a certain threshold, typically €22, were exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) when imported into the EU. Under current regulations, VAT is applicable to all commercial imports regardless of their value, according to the Irish Times.

This regulatory change means that items previously sold as “tax-free” now incur mandatory VAT and, in some cases, additional customs duties depending on the item’s value and origin. RTE.ie reports that this has led to a surge in unexpected bills for consumers upon the arrival of their goods.

What is the impact on platforms like Temu and Shein?

Ultra-low-cost e-commerce platforms, specifically those based in China such as Temu and Shein, are central to this shift. The Times of Malta questioned whether shopping from these platforms remains financially viable for consumers once customs and VAT are added to the final cost.

These companies often rely on “de minimis” thresholds—rules that allow low-value shipments to enter a country without duties. As the EU closes these loopholes to protect domestic retailers and increase tax revenue, the price advantage of these platforms diminishes, according to the Times of Malta.

The Irish Times notes a contrast in how these costs are handled; some platforms now collect VAT at the point of sale to streamline delivery, while others leave the payment to the consumer upon arrival, which creates the friction point that scammers currently exploit.

How can consumers verify legitimate customs requests?

The CCPC advises consumers to be skeptical of any request for payment that arrives via text message or email with a direct link to a payment page. Official customs notifications are typically handled through formal channels or integrated into the tracking system of the shipping courier.

To avoid fraud, the CCPC recommends the following actions:

• Check the official tracking number of the parcel on the courier’s verified website rather than clicking a link in a message.
• Verify if VAT was already paid at the time of purchase on the checkout page.
• Avoid providing credit card details to any site that does not have a verified secure connection and a recognized official domain.
• Contact the retailer directly to confirm if additional charges are expected.

Reporting from the Irish Examiner indicates that legitimate customs charges are usually billed through the courier company, which collects the fee on behalf of the revenue authorities, rather than through an unsolicited text message requesting a direct transfer.