Starting November 1, the European Union will levy a permanent two-euro handling fee on each type of item in packages sent directly to consumers from outside the bloc. This measure aims to curb the influx of low-value imports, particularly from China via platforms like AliExpress and Temu, and compensate customs authorities for increased workload. The fee applies regardless of parcel value and is separate from the temporary three-euro duty on small parcels introduced in July. While the EU states consumers will not pay this fee directly, online marketplaces and sellers are responsible for it and may pass costs to buyers through price adjustments. Officials note that imports have fallen by approximately 64 percent since the July duty was implemented, though they caution it is too early to draw firm conclusions.
Editorial relevance: The new EU handling fee directly impacts cross-border online retail logistics and costs for major e-commerce platforms selling into the European market.
On July 28, 2026, The Vision Council announced guidance for the optical industry regarding new Section 301 tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration on 60 economies. These duties replace expired Section 122 tariffs and include a 12.5% rate on major sourcing markets like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, and a 10% rate on India and Indonesia. The Council advises that the new 12.5% duty on Chinese goods stacks with existing Section 301 rates (7.5% or 25%) rather than superseding them. Traditional eyewear HTS codes do not qualify for exemptions. Additionally, a separate 25% Section 301 duty effective July 22 applies to Brazilian optical products. A proposed 50% penalty on Canadian goods has not yet taken effect. The Council offers a Tariff Dashboard for members to model cost impacts.
Latest development9-30 10:14USTR proposes new Section 301 tariffs for optical industry
Editorial relevance: The Vision Council provides critical guidance on new Section 301 tariffs affecting optical imports, highlighting duty stacking risks and exemption limitations for eyewear products.