On 4 February the French parliament enacted Article 22 of the 2026 Finance Bill, introducing a **flat €2 “administrative charge” on every parcel worth under €150 arriving from outside the EU**. The levy, due to take effect later this year, targets fast-growing cross-border e-commerce flows from platforms such as AliExpress and Temu.
While not a travel document measure, the charge affects globally mobile staff who rely on personal imports or forwarders to obtain niche goods while on assignment. HR departments may need to adjust relocation allowances or employer-paid shipping for small parcels.
![France approves €2 customs levy on low-value imports, raising costs for expats’ e-commerce shipments]()
For global mobility managers seeking a single platform to monitor these new import fees alongside visa and immigration formalities, VisaHQ offers an up-to-date France resource page (https://www.visahq.com/france/) and hands-on concierge support. The service can brief assignees on customs paperwork, arrange necessary transit documents, and integrate the €2 levy into cost estimates, easing compliance for both individuals and corporate HR teams.
Customs brokers warn that courier invoices will show the fee in addition to existing VAT and duties, and that split consignments could multiply costs. Multinational payroll teams providing “goods differentials” in host-country cost-of-living allowances should update budgets accordingly.
The levy also foreshadows EU-wide customs reform slated for 2028, which will scrap the €150 VAT-free threshold altogether. France’s early move is expected to raise €400 million annually.
While not a travel document measure, the charge affects globally mobile staff who rely on personal imports or forwarders to obtain niche goods while on assignment. HR departments may need to adjust relocation allowances or employer-paid shipping for small parcels.
For global mobility managers seeking a single platform to monitor these new import fees alongside visa and immigration formalities, VisaHQ offers an up-to-date France resource page (https://www.visahq.com/france/) and hands-on concierge support. The service can brief assignees on customs paperwork, arrange necessary transit documents, and integrate the €2 levy into cost estimates, easing compliance for both individuals and corporate HR teams.
Customs brokers warn that courier invoices will show the fee in addition to existing VAT and duties, and that split consignments could multiply costs. Multinational payroll teams providing “goods differentials” in host-country cost-of-living allowances should update budgets accordingly.
The levy also foreshadows EU-wide customs reform slated for 2028, which will scrap the €150 VAT-free threshold altogether. France’s early move is expected to raise €400 million annually.
