Textile Industry Proposed Fee Hike for Small Parcels
Industry representatives have called for a 10 euro handling fee to combat rising import volumes in Europe.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Fashion
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Should governments increase import fees on small foreign parcels to support local industrial competition?
Textile sector stakeholders have proposed increasing the handling fee for small foreign parcels to 10 euros, up from the current 2-euro rate. The move aims to address surging import volumes that reached approximately 6 billion parcels in 2025.
Why it matters
Industry leaders argue that existing fees fail to ensure fair competition against Asian e-commerce platforms. They seek to use the additional revenue to fund improved inspection resources and support the transition toward sustainable circularity models.
The number of small parcels entering the European market grew from 2.7 billion in 2023 to nearly 6 billion in 2025. The European textile sector currently supports 1.2 million jobs across 200,000 companies.
The players
European Parliament
This legislative body serves as a forum for debating and establishing regulations that govern the European Union market.
LUSITANO Project
This initiative involves 17 partners and a 111.5 million euro investment to incorporate AI and sustainable methods into the textile value chain.
The details
Representatives suggest that the higher levy would provide necessary funds for both human and technological inspection infrastructure. This initiative runs alongside the 111.5 million euro LUSITANO Project, which utilizes 17 partners to integrate artificial intelligence into sustainable textile production.
Timeline
In 2023, approximately 2.7 billion small parcels entered the European market.
In 2024, the number of small parcels imported into Europe rose to 4.1 billion.
In 2025, small parcel imports reached close to 6 billion units.
On September 30, 2026, the European Parliament held a debate regarding textile circularity.
Roadmap
The push for higher fees signals a move to protect the European textile sector by counteracting the rapid rise in low-cost international shipments. This strategy aligns with broader efforts to leverage technology like the LUSITANO Project to modernize regional production.
A significant increase in parcel fees could impact the final cost of goods for consumers purchasing items from non-European e-commerce platforms. Shoppers may face higher delivery costs or restricted availability for small, low-cost apparel shipments.
The takeaway
The textile industry is seeking to balance the convenience of global e-commerce with the need for domestic economic protection and sustainable production. Consumers should monitor potential changes to import fees as policymakers evaluate ways to bolster regional market competitiveness.
Further reading
For more on the evolving textile market, visit the Fashion section.
Live Poll
Should governments increase import fees on small foreign parcels to support local industrial competition?
