**Title: Small Parcel Orders to Cyprus Remain High Despite €3 Tariff**
Cypriot consumers are continuing to engage actively in online shopping, particularly through platforms such as Shein and Temu, even after the introduction of a temporary €3 customs duty. In the first half of October alone, over 100,000 parcels were recorded entering the country, indicating a robust demand for low-value imports.
Authorities anticipate that this trend will persist, with projections suggesting that monthly shipments could soar to between 200,000 and 250,000 parcels. George Constantinou, spokesman for the Customs Department, noted in an interview with Alpha TV that the new tariff has not deterred consumer interest. He stated, “This is what we were saying from the beginning, that this temporary three-euro tariff will not significantly affect consumer purchases, because it is still advantageous to buy from these platforms.”
The €3 duty applies to specific low-value imports, and it is important to note that a single parcel containing multiple items from different categories may incur several charges. If consumers have not prepaid the duty during the ordering process, the fee will be collected by courier companies or the post office upon delivery or collection. However, products shipped from a warehouse located in another European Union member state, where customs duties have already been settled, are exempt from this fee.
Since the implementation of the tariff on July 1, Cyprus has seen the arrival of more than 100,000 parcels, which collectively encompass around 400,000 product categories. Each parcel typically contains four to five items. Constantinou highlighted that the revenue generated from these duties is significant; in the first fifteen days alone, the estimated revenue reached approximately €1.2 million. Of this amount, 75% will be allocated to the European Union, while the remaining 25% will cover administrative costs in Cyprus.
The types of products being imported reflect consumer preferences, with clothing making up the largest share of shipments. Plastic products also constitute a notable portion of the imports. The increase in the number of declarations for low-value packages can be attributed to the introduction of a new automated import system, which allows online platforms to submit declarations directly to Cypriot customs. Previously, some companies would declare their shipments in other EU member states before transporting them to Cyprus, which bypassed the need for direct declarations to Cypriot authorities.
The Customs Department has indicated that the sustained volume of imports suggests that the temporary tariff has had a limited impact on consumer behavior. As online shopping continues to thrive, it appears that Cypriot consumers are finding ways to navigate the new customs duty while still enjoying the benefits of purchasing from international platforms.
As the month progresses, it will be interesting to observe whether the volume of imports continues to rise and how consumers adapt to the new tariff structure. The ongoing popularity of online shopping in Cyprus, despite the additional costs, underscores the strong demand for international products and the changing landscape of retail in the digital age.