New EU Fee Could Make Temu, Shein and AliExpress Orders More Expensive in Lanzarote
Residents and visitors in Lanzarote who regularly order from online marketplaces such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress could soon notice higher costs when shopping online.
A new European Union customs measure, expected to take effect from 1 July 2026, introduces an additional charge on low-value goods arriving from outside the EU. The move is aimed at addressing concerns over the growing volume of cheap imports entering Europe and creating a more level playing field for European retailers.
What Is Changing?
Under the new system, a €3 customs charge may be applied to each declared product category within a shipment valued at under €150.
This means the fee is not necessarily charged per parcel. Instead, it can apply to different types of products contained within the same order.
For example:
- A parcel containing only T-shirts may incur a single €3 charge.
- A parcel containing clothing, phone accessories and household items could face multiple charges, potentially adding €9 or more to the final cost.
What Does This Mean for Lanzarote Shoppers?
The Canary Islands already operate under a different tax system from mainland Spain and much of the EU, with imports often requiring additional customs processing and IGIC considerations.
For Lanzarote residents who frequently use overseas online retailers, the new fee could make many low-cost purchases less attractive, particularly when ordering inexpensive items where a €3 charge represents a significant percentage of the purchase price.
Why Is the EU Introducing the Charge?
European authorities say the measure is designed to address several issues:
- Increasing volumes of low-value imports.
- Competitive pressure on European retailers.
- Customs enforcement challenges.
- Consumer safety and product compliance concerns.
- Tax collection and fraud prevention.
According to EU figures, billions of low-value parcels enter Europe each year, with the vast majority originating from China.
Could Costs Rise Even Further?
Possibly.
Alongside the €3 charge, European authorities have also discussed additional handling fees on imported parcels, although details and implementation dates remain unclear.
Consumers should therefore keep an eye on future developments, particularly if they regularly purchase from international marketplaces.
What Should Lanzarote Consumers Do?
If the new rules are implemented as expected:
✔ Compare prices with local retailers before ordering.
✔ Consolidate purchases where possible.
✔ Check final checkout costs carefully.
✔ Be aware that multiple product categories may attract multiple charges.
✔ Factor potential customs fees into your overall purchase cost.
The Bottom Line
The days of ultra-cheap online shopping from overseas marketplaces may be becoming more expensive for consumers across Europe, including here in Lanzarote.
While a few euros may not seem significant, the impact could be noticeable on lower-value purchases, particularly when orders contain several different types of products.
