Recent figures reveal that the value of small parcels imported from China to the UK has doubled to £3 billion in the past year. The vast majority of these parcels enter the UK, duty free under the de-minimis rules. This boom, largely driven by e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, underscores the urgent need for a level playing field, particularly as the current system gives a huge advantage to over-seas online retailers. The UK Government, is actively reviewing this zero-tax regime for low-value imports, with a view to potentially ending the de-minimis exemption. A move which mirrors the recent change in the IS, which has attracted much comment this week.
I’ve spoken with many UK retailers who have raised concerns about lost revenue, unfair competition, and the influx of potentially unregulated products. Author: Marco Forgione
