France Upholds Small Parcel Tax Amid Platform Circumvention and Job Impact

France has decided to maintain a tax of 2 euros on small parcels, aiming to slow the rising flow of such deliveries, mostly originating from China and expected to hit 5.8 billion across Europe by 2025. This tax, effective since March 1, is intended to foster a shift toward more sustainable, integrated logistics models within Europe.

However, major e-commerce platforms, including Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, have circumvented this measure by rerouting shipments through other EU countries, particularly in the Benelux region. This loophole has significantly affected French logistics companies. For instance, Aéroports de Paris has reported a decline in freight flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport. There is also a looming threat of substantial job losses in the logistics sector, with estimates of 500 to 1,000 positions potentially disappearing by summer if the tax persists.

Despite these challenges, the French government firmly supports the tax policy, citing its influence on other EU nations. They expect a similar tax framework at the EU level by 2026, which will add a 3-euro customs duty, increasing the total tax burden on small parcels to 5 euros per item. French authorities view this as a catalyst to push ecommerce platforms to modify their business models toward sustainable operations similar to Amazon's stronger European presence.

This approach reflects France's broader strategy to reshape international package delivery practices and encourage environmental and economic sustainability in logistics nationwide and across Europe.