EU parcel levy sharply reduces e-commerce traffic at Liège Airport

The European Union’s €3 customs duty on low-value e-commerce goods has significantly reduced the flow of small parcels through Liège Airport, one of Europe’s principal gateways for shipments from China.

Belgian customs recorded a 53% year-on-year fall in the number of small parcels arriving at the airport in July 2026, the first month after the levy took effect. The decline was accompanied by an increase in larger consolidated shipments, suggesting that logistics operators and retailers are adapting their transport arrangements.

Introduced on 1 July, the duty applies per product category to consignments worth no more than €150 arriving from outside the EU. It generated €223.7 million for Belgium during its first seven weeks and is intended to remain in force until July 2028.

The sharp reduction could affect cargo volumes, handling activity and airline capacity at Liège, which has built a substantial part of its business around cross-border e-commerce. Some traffic may be consolidated into heavier consignments, redirected through other European hubs or shifted to alternative transport modes.

Belgium plans to use much of the revenue to recruit additional customs officers and purchase specialised inspection equipment between 2026 and 2029.