France Passes New Tax on Low-Value Packages

The French National Assembly has voted to approve a new €2 tax on “small packages” arriving from outside the European Union with a value of less than €150. After an intense debate, the measure passed with 208 votes in favor and 87 against.

Key Details:

• Purpose: The government claims the tax will generate €500 million in revenue. This money will be used to fund better customs equipment (scanners) and increase staffing for inspections.
• Political Debate:
  • Opposition: The far-right National Rally (RN) criticized the move, calling it a tax on everyday consumer goods and questioning how effective it will actually be.
  • Support: The left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) initially hesitated but eventually supported the measure after an amendment was added. This amendment ensures the tax is linked to VAT (TVA) collection and is intended to be borne by the platforms (e.g., major e-commerce sites) rather than directly by individual consumers.

***Photo Reference: https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyFromEU/comments/1p59zcp/belgium_introduces_a_2_tax_on_packages_coming/***