EU to add €2 handling fee to packages from outside bloc on Nov. 1, ahead of holiday shopping rush and on top of existing small-parcel charge

The European Union will introduce a €2 handling fee—equivalent to $2.25—on packages originating outside the 27-nation bloc from November 1, adding a charge intended to curb the influx of goods, particularly from China.

The new fee will apply on top of the EU’s existing €3 charge on small parcels. It is due to take effect weeks before the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events and the Christmas season.