France suspends national two-euro levy on small parcels – EU flat-rate duty starts on July 1

Paris – 30.06.2026: The French government has suspended with immediate effect the flat tax of two euros per item on small parcel shipments from non-EU countries that had been in force since 1 March 2026. Paris cites the imminent European framework as justification: from 1 July 2026, a temporary EU flat-rate duty of three euros per item will be introduced across the European Union to unify the previously fragmented procedures. According to the government, some platforms had been circumventing the national levy; a unified EU-wide solution promises greater effectiveness.

With the suspension, Paris is responding to complaints from retailers that differing national rules within the single market were creating competitive disadvantages. The industry association Alliance du Commerce welcomed the move and sees the EU regulation as an opportunity to price the influx of low-priced imports more fairly. What is now crucial are consistent controls to ensure declarations, product safety and tax information are observed. Critics of the previous French levy had complained that fulfilment models and diversion strategies via EU warehouses undermined the tax.

The European flat-rate duty is part of a broader reform of the customs union. The Council and the Commission have in recent months expanded digital declaration requirements and risk-based checks for small consignments from third countries. The aim is to effectively end the previous value exemption threshold, better detect undervaluation and concentrate checks at hubs — for example in postal centres and with express carriers. In France, the Douane (Direction générale des Douanes et Droits indirects) is coordinating practical implementation at airports, seaports and distribution centres; it is to follow up systematically in particular with recurring senders and high shipment volumes.

Economically, the move aims to create a more level playing field for bricks-and-mortar retailers and European online providers who must fully apply VAT and market rules. In the short term, the EU-wide uniform levy could adjust the cost structure in cross-border small-parcel traffic; how strongly this affects final prices will depend on the pricing policies of platforms and logistics providers. For consumers, it is particularly relevant that declaration and processing times may fluctuate at first until the new systems are fully operational.

Politically, the decision underscores the priority of a common European line over national unilateral measures. Paris explicitly ties the suspension to the start of the EU regulation and promises close monitoring of the effects. If circumvention practices persist, the government says it will prioritise additional controls and data exchange formats within the EU.