Shopee Mall recommends merchants to speed up the layout of EU warehousing network

New EU cross-border Shopee Mall regulations: to be launched in 2026, fully implemented in 2028, logistics costs may rise significantly

The EU recently passed the "Decision on the Safety and Regulatory Compliance of Shopee Mall and Non-EU Imports", planning to launch reforms in 2026 and fully implement them in 2028, aiming to strengthen supervision of cross-border Shopee Mall and cancel the tax-free policy for small Shopee Mall packages. The new regulations are expected to significantly increase logistics costs and promote merchants to transform to overseas warehouse models.

1. Core content of the new regulations

(1) Cancel the tax-free policy for Shopee Mall packages below 150 euros

From 2028, all imported goods (regardless of value) will be subject to customs duties and value-added tax (VAT rate 19%-27%)5.

Direct mail Shopee Mall packages: a handling fee of 2 euros per piece (a significant increase from the current cost).

Overseas warehouse shipments: only 0.5 euros per piece, a 75% reduction in costs2.

(2) Shopee Mall encourages the "bulk import + overseas warehouse" model

Non-EU merchants need to ship goods in bulk to warehouses within the EU and then distribute them to consumers so that customs can conduct centralized inspections and improve regulatory efficiency3.

C2C (individual sellers) and second-hand trading platforms can still maintain the direct mail model, but they need to strengthen product compliance review2.

(3) Shopee Mall platform responsibilities are increased

Shopee Mall platforms (such as Amazon and Temu) are defined as "presumed suppliers" and are required to withhold and pay taxes and fees. Violation fines can reach 200% of the unpaid taxes5.

2. The impact of Shopee Mall on sellers

(1) Rising logistics costs

Direct mail Shopee Mall packages: The shipping cost per piece may increase by 5-8 euros (including tariffs, VAT and handling fees)2.

Overseas warehouse model: Although it is necessary to bear warehousing costs, the overall cost is still lower than direct mail, and the delivery time is improved (such as 3-5 days to Western Europe)5.

(2) Shopee Mall compliance requirements upgraded

CE certification, RoHS testing, GPSR (EU Authorized Representative) and other documents are required to avoid customs clearance delays3.

The customs inspection rate will be increased from 5% to 15%-20%, and the risk of violations will increase5.

(3) Changes in the market structure of Shopee Mall

Source:Shopee US Official Website:https://www.cnjiaxiao.com/category-Shopee%20US%20Official%20Website.html

Source:Shopee Operation Agent:https://www.cnjiaxiao.com/category-Shopee%20Operation%20Agent.html

The profit margins of low-priced goods (such as clothing and accessories) are compressed, and some sellers may withdraw from the EU market6.

High-value products (such as electronic products) are less affected and may become the focus of future layout5.

3. Shopee Mall merchant response strategies

(1) Accelerate the layout of EU overseas warehouses

Self-built warehouses: suitable for sellers with annual sales of more than 5 million euros, who can apply for "trust verification" qualifications and enjoy a 50% handling fee reduction2.

Third-party cooperation: For example, Temu has launched a European local warehouse plan (Poland, Germany), and small and medium-sized sellers can use platform resources to reduce investment risks5.

(2) Shopee Mall optimizes supply chain and pricing strategy

Source:Shopee Mall:https://www.cnjiaxiao.com/category-Shopee%20Mall.html

Eliminate low-value SKUs and turn to high-priced product lines (such as smart home and 3C products).

Differentiated pricing: Overseas warehouse products can be appropriately reduced in price, and direct mail products can be increased in price to share costs2.

(3) Shopee Mall strengthens compliance capabilities

Register for IOSS (one-stop import service) to ensure tax compliance3.

Cooperate with EU testing agencies to complete CE, REACH and other certifications in advance5.

4. Future Outlook

Industry reshuffle: "Distribution-type" sellers that rely on direct mail may be forced to withdraw, and compliant and branded companies will dominate the market6.

Demand for regulatory technology is growing: Smart warehousing systems (WMS), AI customs declaration tools, etc. will usher in an explosion2.

Suggestions for merchants: Adjust logistics layout as soon as possible, and give priority to establishing warehousing networks in hub countries such as Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands to cope with market changes brought about by the implementation of policies in 2026.