"This is an initiative that absolutely clearly shows the vector in which the EAEU is moving," Kirill Semenov, an expert on customs regulation, said in an interview to discuss the new threshold. And he added: lowering the threshold should not be confused with the reform of the mechanism for calculating duties — these are different processes.
What is the duty-free threshold and how did it work?
Duty—free threshold is the amount below which international parcels for individuals are exempt from customs duties. Until the recent reduction in the EAEU, this threshold was 200 euros per package. This meant: an order on AliExpress for €150 — zero duties. The same product on Ozon — VAT is included in the price.
The result: foreign sites gained a structural price advantage over Russian marketplaces. Wildberries and Ozon carried the full tax burden and worked for years to eliminate it.
The new threshold and its consequences
The reduction to €100 means that parcels over €100 are subject to customs duties. The rate is 15% of the cost, at least €2 per kilogram. Parcels cheaper than €100 still pass without fees.
A further reduction to €50 is being discussed — this will completely close the window for most budget orders from China.
Who is affected
Private buyers ordering directly from Chinese and European sites will pay fees on parcels over €100. For many, this will reduce the attractiveness of direct imports.
Russian marketplaces are winning: the competitive advantage of foreign sites is decreasing. Ozon and Wildberries officially supported the change.
For b2b importers working through dropshipping schemes or splitting shipments into private parcels, this is the main risk area. Many used a high threshold to optimize customs payments.
Why is this important right now
The decision is at the final stage of approval in the EAEU. After its adoption, it enters into force throughout the territory of the Union: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan. Companies using schemes with a breakdown of parcels under a high threshold: check the legal stability of the scheme now.
