Beginning July 1, shipments originating from countries outside the European Union with a declared value under 150 euros will be subject to an additional customs duty, set at a minimum of 3 euros. This regulation implies that consumers may face increased costs when purchasing inexpensive goods from international sources. While some experts anticipate that the introduction of these new charges might prompt consumers to purchase items preemptively to avoid paying more, cybersecurity professionals caution against equating a low price tag with genuine value.
Ramūnas Lubertas, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer at NOD Baltic and ESET expert, advises that the true cost of goods extends beyond tariffs. He notes that the value proposition of certain platforms can be diminished by the exchange of personal data or subtle influence on purchasing decisions. According to Lubertas, these online marketplaces generate revenue through commission fees charged to sellers, advertising placements, logistics optimization, and repeat customer engagement, even when individual product sales do not yield profit.
He emphasizes that while consumers are aware of the cost in euros, they must also consider the non-monetary expenditures. The expert warns that the allure of exceptionally low prices can mask significant compromises concerning personal data privacy or susceptibility to targeted marketing influence. Therefore, consumers are advised to evaluate the totality of the transaction, not just the initial price point, when making cross-border purchases.
Topics: #low #euros #more
This new customs duty appears set to substantially raise the cost of inexpensive goods imported from outside the EU.
How will this new customs duty affect consumers buying goods below the 150 euro threshold from non-EU countries?