This new tariff, imposed by Europe, applies throughout the customs territory of the Union, including the Canary Islands. The objective is to curb mass purchases of low-cost products which, as denounced by distribution sectors and consumer organizations, create unfair competition and do not always comply with European sanitary, safety, and environmental regulations, nor with European labor and wage standards.
Platforms like Aliexpress have been directly collecting this tariff since June 15th, under the concept of 'estimated customs charges'. This measure aims to ensure that merchandise complies with the tariff upon arrival in Europe from July 1st, thus avoiding customs detention. The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has indicated that if some platforms do not implement this advance collection, the carrier could demand payment before delivery, potentially leading buyers to reject packages.
The obligation to settle this tariff falls on the customs representatives designated by the Chinese platform or the seller, not the consumer. However, Canary Islands e-commerce users, united in the Facebook group 'Autodespacho: Simplificar los trámites aduaneros en Canarias', criticize the Government of the Canary Islands' decision to eliminate the IGIC exemption for purchases under 150 euros, arguing that a self-declaration is now required to pay the 3 euro tariff.
According to Víctor López, representative of the Facebook group, 'Aliexpress has started charging the three euros per different item directly. Therefore, the buyer will not have to submit any DUA (as the H7 or H1 was known before). Aliexpress will handle everything through its Cainiao platform'.
