This new tariff, imposed by Europe across the entire customs territory of the Union, aims to curb mass purchases of low-cost products. Consumer organizations and the Spanish distribution sector argue that these purchases constitute unfair competition and often fail to meet European health, safety, and environmental standards, as well as labor conditions.
Platforms such as AliExpress have been directly collecting this surcharge since June 15th, under the description 'estimated customs charges'. The goal is to expedite the arrival of goods from July 1st onwards, preventing packages from being held at customs.
The Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) has stated that if a platform fails to collect this fee upfront, the carrier may demand payment before delivery, potentially leading buyers to refuse the package. The responsibility for settling this tariff lies with the customs representatives designated by the Chinese platform or seller, not the consumer.
The Minister of Finance, Matilde Asián, indicated that a refund of the 3 euros would only be possible upon return if it is proven that the item is defective or the contract terms have been breached.
“"Aliexpress has started charging the three euros per different item directly. Therefore, the buyer will not have to submit any DUA (as H7 or H1 was known before). Aliexpress will handle everything through its Cainiao platform."
Canarian e-commerce users, organized in the Facebook group 'Autodespacho: Simplificar los trámites aduaneros en Canarias', criticize the Canary Islands Government's decision to eliminate the IGIC exemption for purchases under 150 euros, arguing that self-declaration is now required to pay the 3 euro tariff, even though platforms like AliExpress already manage it.
