Belgium in front of a parcel “tsunami” from China

A Belgian economic organization believes that Belgium is faced with a “tsunami” of small packages sent by the major players in Chinese e-commerce and must absolutely push the European Union to accelerate its customs reform, in a notice obtained Thursday by AFP.

The EU has been working for two years on a customs reform which plans to better control the entry into its territory of non -compliant. Meanwhile, deemed dangerous goods, against the background of considerable increase in online trade.

It is also a question of removing the exemption from customs duties from which the numerous shipments of value not. Therefore, exceeding 150 euros.

However. according to the Belgian Central Council of the Economy (CCE), which acts as a whistleblower on socio-economic priorities, these so-called low value parcels reached three million in daily rhythm in 2024 in Belgium, a tripling over a year.

“This is belgium front parcel “tsunami” china an explosive increase and these packages come mainly from China (Alibaba, Shein, Temu, Tiktok …)”, notes the CCE.

“This parcel tsunami that overwhelms our country cannot absolutely be controlled properly with the current means available to customs services. other competent inspection services of the Ministry of Economy,” it is underlined.

– “Take the initiative” –

The organization calls on the Belgian government to strengthen the means of its customs services. but also to “take the initiative” and to convince the other EU countries of the urgency of better control of imports resulting from e-commerce.

“Waiting for the finalization (current European reform) is not an option,” continues this advisory body representing employers and Belgian unions.

With Antwerp, Belgium hosts the second port of goods in Europe after that of Rotterdam (Netherlands). Liège Airport (EST) is also a major air freight platform from China.

The Central Council of the Economy is concerned about unfair competition to the detriment belgium front parcel “tsunami” china of European economic players. as well as the consequences in terms of health health and environmental impact.

“Many products are consumed while they do not comply with the market. that they are dangerous for health, that they are certainly not reusable and most of the time non-recyclable,” he explains. “Many of these products should in fact be directly destroyed by customs when they arrived in our country.”

In total. the number of customs declarations of parcels linked to e-commerce increased from 1,600 per day in 2017, to 4 million last year (including 3 million low value), still according to the Belgian organization.

As for the future legislation wanted in the EU. the twenty-seven agreed in late June to begin negotiations with the European Parliament.