The introduction of VAT on low-value imports from non-EU countries has sent a clear signal to online shoppers: the era of cheap, hassle-free Chinese parcels is over. In July and August, the number of small packages entering the Netherlands from outside the EU plunged by 46% compared with the same period last year, according to Dutch Tax and Customs Administration data.
Sharp Decline in Parcel Volumes
Postal operators recorded a drop from roughly 8.0 million parcels in July–August 2025 to just 4.3 million this year. Shipments from China, which historically accounted for nearly 70% of all low-value imports, saw the steepest fall. Consumers and small businesses alike are adjusting to the levied VAT—even on items valued under €22—that now applies to every single parcel.
Repercussions for Consumers and Businesses
- Longer delivery times: Increased customs checks have added days to standard shipping schedules.
- Higher prices: Sellers on marketplaces such as AliExpress and Wish are passing VAT and handling fees onto buyers.
- Shift to EU suppliers: Many consumers are opting for EU-based retailers to avoid unexpected charges at the door.
“We’ve seen a marked change in shopping patterns,” says Julia van Dijk, an e-commerce analyst in Amsterdam. “Buyers who once waited three weeks for a €10 gadget are now choosing domestic stores—even if prices are slightly higher—to ensure reliability.” Small entrepreneurs who built their business model around cheap imports now face dwindling margins and delivery uncertainties.
Impact on Postal Services and State Revenue
PostNL, the country’s largest mail carrier, handled nearly 1.2 million fewer parcels in August alone. While logistical costs per item have risen—thanks to additional scanning, paperwork and customs handling—the government has benefited from the expanded VAT base. In the first two months of enforcement, authorities collected an estimated €120 million more than during the same window last year.
Looking ahead, industry experts predict a gradual stabilisation. “As platforms streamline VAT collection at checkout, many of the initial delays and surprises will fade,” explains Hans Meijer, a postal sector consultant. However, the sharp mid-summer drop serves as a reminder that regulatory shifts can reshape consumer behaviour almost overnight—and that global e-commerce remains highly sensitive to policy changes.