Swedish shoppers are reconsidering cross‑border purchases after the EU introduced a new €3 customs fee on low‑value packages, with 14% saying they would stop buying from non‑EU retailers altogether.
Survey shows mixed reactions to the flat‑rate charge
The study, commissioned by the Swedish Customs Service, asked 1,068 adults between 14 May and 21 May about their plans. It was conducted just before the removal of the de minimis exemption that had let parcels up to €150 enter the bloc duty‑free.
The exemption was swapped for a flat‑rate fee on all low‑value imports.
Overall, 41% of respondents said the new charge would not affect their buying habits, while 24% expect to keep ordering from outside the bloc but less often. The rest are split between cutting back or stopping entirely.
Women aged 65‑84 are the most likely to quit, with 23% indicating they would stop and 19% supporting the idea. Men in the 35‑49 bracket are more inclined to stay the course, with 33% saying they will keep buying, albeit at a reduced frequency.
Urban dwellers appear less swayed. Residents of Stockholm show a higher tendency to reduce purchase frequency, at 30%. Conversely, younger shoppers aged 18‑34 and those living in larger cities report the least impact, with 49% saying their habits remain unchanged.
Related: Argentina Pet Manufacturers Target Premium Regional Exports
Compared with earlier attempts to curb cheap imports, this fee resembles past measures that nudged consumers toward domestic alternatives, though the impact may be muted because many shoppers already favor EU sellers for speed and reliability.
How often Swedes shop on non‑EU platforms
Data reveal that one‑third of Swedes (about 33%) have bought from non‑EU e‑commerce sites. Of these, 12% shop a few times each quarter, a similar share shop a few times a year, and a small 2% do so monthly.
Frequent quarterly buyers tend to be men aged 50‑64 and households with children, each group accounting for 18% of the regular shoppers. By contrast, women are more likely never to have purchased from non‑EU stores, with 45% reporting no such transactions, and the oldest age group sits at 46%.
The fee applies to parcels valued under the prior threshold, aligning with the EU’s effort to simplify customs procedures. It took effect shortly after the survey window closed, meaning the full behavioral shift may still be unfolding.
Retailers that rely heavily on Swedish customers from abroad may need to adjust pricing or explore EU‑based fulfillment options to stay competitive.
For more detail, see the EU customs duty rules.
