The Dutch government has postponed a handling fee on non-EU ecommerce parcels amid concerns over neighboring countries' similar charges.
The Dutch government has postponed plans to introduce a handling fee on non-EU ecommerce parcels, reports American Shipper.
Secretary of State for Tax Affairs Eugene Heijne stated that the decision followed uncertainty regarding whether neighboring countries such as Belgium and Luxembourg would implement similar charges.
The Netherlands had concerns that unilateral action could divert more e-commerce traffic through Schiphol if other states imposed fees.
In December, EU member states agreed to introduce a temporary EUR3 (US$3.50) customs duty per item on parcels valued below EUR150, set to take effect in July 2026.
Dutch air cargo and logistics groups welcomed the EU-wide approach, warning that a unilateral levy would damage Schiphol's competitiveness and burden forwarders and carriers with short-notice system changes.
Mr. Heijne mentioned that he would continue to monitor flows and the potential impact of handling fees in neighboring countries.
The EU duty is intended as an urgent solution to rising e-commerce imports until the EU Customs Data Hub is established in 2028.
The bloc will also remove the exemption allowing parcels under EUR150 to enter duty-free, with the measure now set to apply in 2026 rather than 2028.
