One-Third of E-Commerce Packages in Violation

Why It Matters

The high violation rate threatens brand integrity and consumer safety while representing untapped revenue for governments. Strengthened customs rules will reshape e‑commerce logistics and increase compliance costs for online sellers.

Key Takeaways

• 3.6 million parcels pass Liège daily, 20% EU online sales
• Customs inspect only 0.006% of declarations, 216 files daily
• 30% of inspected parcels violate regulations, generating €3.3 m fines
• Counterfeit findings rose 64% in 2025 versus 2024
• EU reforms abolish €150 duty threshold, add €3 per item

Pulse Analysis

The surge in cross‑border online shopping has turned Liège Airport into a critical gateway for Europe’s e‑commerce market. 6 million parcels arrive each day, representing about one‑fifth of all continental consumer purchases. While total shipment volumes have softened since 2023, the average number of items per package has risen, driven by factors such as the Ukraine conflict, energy price volatility and the practice of bundling goods to cut logistics costs. This concentration of value in fewer boxes intensifies the workload for customs authorities.

006 % or 216 files per day. Yet the audit results are striking: nearly one‑third of the inspected B2C parcels breach regulations, ranging from counterfeit goods to safety violations and undervaluation. 3 million in duties, taxes and fines illustrates the fiscal upside of tighter enforcement. For retailers, non‑compliance threatens brand reputation and can trigger costly product recalls.

Policymakers are responding with a suite of EU‑wide reforms aimed at leveling the playing field. The upcoming abolition of the €150 low‑value exemption and the introduction of a flat €3 duty per item will broaden the tax base, while the European Customs Data Hub promises real‑time information sharing across member states. Additional measures—such as a €2 handling fee, the ‘deemed importer’ concept and dedicated e‑commerce warehouses—could further streamline inspections and shift liability onto online platforms. Companies that invest early in compliance technology will be better positioned to navigate this evolving regulatory landscape.