In the fight against distortion of competition, Germany wants to work in the EU for tariffs on cheap goods from third countries.
“We have to ensure fair competitive conditions and thus also protect workplaces. Anyone who pays proper wages and complies with the rules must not be the stupid in the end,” said finance minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) on the sidelines of a meeting with his EU colleagues in Luxembourg.
At the finance minister meeting this Friday, a reform of the customs union is to be discussed. With this Brussels wants to make duty -free, cheap goods from third countries, among other things.
The Federal Government wants to make it very clear when it comes to consulting that ‘Ramsch products’ from China, dumping prices and overcapacity must be discussed. “Such trading practices harm Germany, they harm companies in Germany and they harm companies in Europe.”
Commission had already proposed reform
The EU Commission proposed a corresponding reform around two years ago. According to your will, numerous goods under 150 euros are to be liable. So far, no customs have to be paid if the goods value is less than 150 euros – according to the Commission, there are only a few – for example for tobacco or perfume. This is to ensure that all dealers: Innn – regardless of their location – have the same competitive conditions.
The reform in particular is intended to be responsible for online shopping portals as well as Amazon or Etsy for the fact that the tariffs and VAT are paid for when buying. Online trading has led to an exponential number of deliveries of small goods packages with low value in the EU in recent years.
Recently it was also known that the commission was considering a flat -rate tax of up to two euros for corresponding orders in view of a rapidly increasing number of packages from third countries. According to the EU Commission, around twelve million packages had arrived in the EU in 2024-significantly more than in the two previous years. E-commerce giants such as Temu and Shein should also be affected by the levy.
Chinese companies affected
Temu is an online marketplace where numerous companies sell different goods. The Chinese company has been active in Germany since spring 2023 and repeatedly causes a stir with mini prices and high discounts. Products are often delivered directly from the manufacturer to the customer: inside.
The fashion group Shein, founded in China and is now based in Singapore, is both a manufacturer, dealer and marketplace. As a direct provider, he can react quickly to fashion trends. Since Shein sends its products worldwide and there are no shops and hardly any inventory, Shein can keep its prices extremely low.