MEP Alex Agius Saliba Pushes For Action To Reduce €3 Temu Charges For Maltese Shoppers

Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba is pushing for action at the European Parliament over the €3 customs duty affecting online purchases from outside the EU.

Agius Saliba has secured a discussion in the European Parliament's Petitions Committee (PETI) in January 2027 to investigate whether Maltese consumers are paying more than shoppers in larger European countries.

But Why Could Malta Be Paying More?

The €3 customs duty was introduced across the EU in July 2026. It applies to different categories of products in orders worth up to €150.

However, not everyone necessarily pays the same final price!

For example, someone in Italy might order a €10 product from Temu and receive it from a warehouse already inside the EU, avoiding the customs duty.

Meanwhile, someone in Malta ordering the exact same product might have it shipped directly from China, meaning the €3 duty could apply, along with VAT on the duty.

That €10 product could end up costing €13.54 in Malta, even before any additional delivery fees.

Agius Saliba argues that larger countries benefit from local warehouses and cheaper deliveries, while Maltese shoppers could be left paying more.

His petition, which received unanimous support from the committee's coordinators, calls for an investigation into whether Malta is being unfairly affected.

“The question is clear: are Maltese consumers paying more than they should?” Agius Saliba said.

If unfair treatment is confirmed, the MEP wants action taken to address the situation.

Do you think Maltese shoppers should pay the same prices as shoppers in larger EU countries?

#MaltaDaily