Europe's new import rules are coming for your bargains

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Last week, a small customs fee landed in the EU that may have outsized consequences. Imports of single items from outside the EU are now hit with a new €3 duty, a rule that affects a range of people including electronics hobbyists and techies who prefer their printer toner off-brand.

The seller or importer is generally responsible for declaring and paying the duty, but folks who build electronics projects, among others, are concerned that the so-called "Temu tax" might lead to a broad hike in parts prices.

Designed to fend off a massive explosion in single, low-value items being shipped from China, the €3 duty has applied to all parcels valued at less than €150 entering the EU since July 1.

Previously, anything that cost less than €150 fell under the "de minimis" exemption and came in duty-free. The effective scrapping of the threshold is intended to "reduce differences" in...

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