The Hellenic Fashion Industry Association (SEPEE) expresses its satisfaction over the abolition of the de minimis exemption for small parcels worth less than 150 euros imported into the European Union from third countries, also describing as a positive development the imposition of a 3-euro tariff per item for each low-value package.
As SEPEE points out, the regulation came into force on 1 July 2026, following years of pressure from European businesses on Brussels. In fact, the Association had co-signed a joint statement as early as September 2025 with corresponding bodies from other European countries, calling for the immediate adoption of measures by the European Commission.
According to the data it cites, in 2025 nearly six billion low-value small parcels were imported into the EU, with more than 90% coming from China. More than one third of these shipments are estimated to have contained clothing, footwear and accessories, boosting the penetration of so-called “ultra-fast fashion” in the European market.
SEPEE argues that this practice encourages overconsumption of low-quality products with a limited lifespan, with significant environmental impacts. At the same time, it notes that in several cases issues arise regarding compliance with labor rules, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights.
However, the Association’s management believes that the new fee is not enough to ensure conditions of fair competition or to adequately protect consumers and the environment. For this reason, it is calling for the imposition of a higher handling fee, as well as the full implementation of the European Product Passport, in order to strengthen traceability, oversight and accountability throughout the supply chain.
At the same time, it calls on the Greek government to follow the example of France, which has already introduced additional charges of 0.25 to 6 euros per product for “ultra-fast fashion” companies, while it has also moved forward with restrictions on their advertising, including promotion through influencers.
Source: ANA-MPA