The European Union has introduced sweeping changes to the way low-value imports are handled, ending a long-standing system that allowed millions of inexpensive parcels to enter the bloc with minimal customs scrutiny.

Since 1 July 2026, new customs rules have been designed to tighten oversight of cross-border e-commerce, improve product safety and create fairer competition for European retailers.

The reform, proposed by the European Commission as part of its Customs Union overhaul, comes after a surge in small parcels shipped directly to EU consumers. According to the Commission, around 5.8 billion low-value consignments entered the EU in 2025, equivalent to roughly 12 million parcels every day. Approximately 90% of those shipments originated from China , with platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress accounting for a significant share of the volume.

Under the new framework, every imported parcel will require a customs declaration, including consignments valued below €150, which previously benefited from simplified procedures.

Online marketplaces also face a handling fee on direct-to-consumer shipments. The European Commission has proposed a €2 fee for parcels handled through the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system and €3 for consignments processed outside that scheme.

The measure still requires approval by EU member states and the European Parliament, but customs reforms introducing stricter controls have begun taking effect from July. Reuters has reported that the proposed fee is intended to help national customs authorities manage the rapidly growing volume of imports.

Consumers may therefore face higher final prices as retailers pass on some of the additional administrative and customs costs.

EU officials argue that the existing system has struggled to cope with the explosive growth of ultra-low-cost online shopping.

The Council of the European Union and the European Commission say the reforms aim to reduce unfair competition for European businesses, strengthen customs enforcement and improve checks on products entering the single market. Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about unsafe products, undervalued shipments and counterfeit goods entering through high-volume e-commerce channels.

The Commission estimates that the previous customs framework was designed for a far smaller volume of imports and no longer reflects today's digital retail market.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Wednesday, Gharibabadi criticised Trump's approach to international affairs and questioned the US administration's commitment to diplomacy.

"The president that America is currently facing does not recognise international structures, nor international responsibility and rights. He constantly uses offensive language against various countries," he explained.

Gharibabadi said Iran had not entered formal negotiations with the United States, despite technical working groups being established after talks in Switzerland.

"We had not yet commenced negotiations with the US," Gharibabadi continued, adding that technical working groups were established following a meeting in Switzerland, but no sessions have taken place.

He said Tehran cancelled a meeting scheduled for last week, citing what it described as aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Iranian territory.

Gharibabadi said Iran informed Washington that it "would not participate in those talks."

Earlier on Wednesday, US Central Command announced overnight strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused Washington of committing "serious violations of the memorandum of understanding," including "attacks on southern Iran."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched strikes against 85 US military targets across the region in response.

Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 that included a ceasefire and the launch of an initial round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a final agreement.

In recent weeks, both governments have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement.