France Suspends Its 2‑Euro Parcel Tax as EU’s €3 Duty Takes Effect

Overview

• France announced the suspension of its €2 small‑parcel tax on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to allow the EU‑level duty to operate across the single market.
• The European measure, in force from July 1, applies a €3 fee for each category of item in parcels under €150 and will be collected by the EU, which will return 25% to the member state that clears the shipment.
• French customs say the national tax was widely bypassed after March by routing goods through neighbouring EU states, producing an estimated 90% drop in taxable volumes and roughly €2.3 million in monthly receipts versus the €400 million projected for 2026.
• Major platforms have already adjusted logistics to avoid per‑parcel levies, using large EU warehouses (for example in Poland) or landing goods in Belgium before road transport to France, so customs staffing and border controls will determine how effective the EU duty is.
• Officials plan to add EU processing fees in November and pursue broader customs reform, but member states face uncertainty over whether harmonised charges will restore lost revenue, revive French air‑cargo activity, or prompt new circumvention tactics.