This Week in Hospitality & Retail — Brussels (#25, 2026)
EU launches €3 customs duty for e-commerce imports; stricter controls on unsold products in France approved; new rules on PET bottle recycling and chemical recycling data reporting in force; GM food authorisations renewed.
June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026
EU launches €3 customs duty for e-commerce imports; stricter controls on unsold products in France approved; new rules on PET bottle recycling and chemical recycling data reporting in force; GM food authorisations renewed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission details implementation of €3 customs duty for low-value e-commerce parcels
The European Commission published a Q&A clarifying the application of the €3 temporary customs duty, effective 1 July 2026, on each item in consignments up to €150 value. This duty has been introduced as a transitional solution until the EU Customs Data Hub launches in July 2028. Under the policy, responsibility for payment lies with platforms, sellers, carriers, or their representatives—not consumers. National handling fees may continue until the Union fee enters into force, at the latest November 2026, and will then be replaced to avoid market distortions. Guidelines have been issued for economic operators, with voluntary reporting of product identifiers beginning now and mandatory from November 2026. An anti-abuse clause aims to prevent customs fraud through artificial splitting of consignments or contracts.
New e-commerce customs duty takes effect to support EU businesses and consumer safety
The European Commission announced the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, beginning 1 July 2026, for goods purchased online and imported directly by consumers. The change introduces a flat €3 duty per item, intended to address competitive imbalances for EU retailers and mitigate the import of non-compliant goods. In 2025, over 60% of low-value imports failed to meet product requirements. From July 2028, the simplified duty system transitions to the EU Customs Data Hub, where standard tariffs will apply. Commissioners Maroš Šefčovič stated the measure levels the playing field and strengthens enforcement.
Commission clarifies data reporting for chemical recycling in single-use PET bottles
The Commission adopted rules on calculating, verifying and reporting recycled content in single-use plastic PET bottles, covering both chemical and mechanical recycling. The methodology establishes traceable procedures for reporting recycled content and permits the use of chemical recycling output when meeting verification standards. From November 2027, plastics processed in OECD and qualifying non-OECD countries may also count towards EU recycled content targets, if traceability is assured. The Implementing Act will be effective 20 days after Official Journal publication.
Commission issues Letter of Formal Notice to the Netherlands on rail competition rules
The Commission informed the Netherlands that priority rules for rail capacity allocation may breach EU competition law under Articles 106 and 102 TFEU. The preliminary view is that giving the incumbent Nederlandse Spoorwegen preferential access could distort competition for international rail services. The Netherlands has two months to submit observations. The outcome may require legal amendments to ensure compliance with EU competition rules.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1425: Rules for reporting recycled plastic in PET bottles
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1425, published 3 July 2026, defines the calculation, verification, and reporting requirements for recycled plastic content in single-use PET bottles pursuant to Directive (EU) 2019/904. This measure introduces traceable mass-balance accounting for chemical recycling, with mandatory annual reporting and third-party verification for operators.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1022: Customs declaration amendments for €3 e-commerce duty
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1022, in force 1 July 2026, updates the Union Customs Code implementing rules by revising data elements and definitions in customs declarations for low-value distance sales. It codifies how the €3 temporary duty applies at item level and clarifies the role of product identifiers.
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1435: Approval of French regulation on destruction of unsold consumer goods
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1435 allows France to maintain stricter national rules on the destruction of unsold consumer products—requiring reuse or recycling—for product categories not yet harmonised under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. Medium-sized enterprises must comply until July 2030, after which the EU provisions will apply.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1481: Designation of GCSL as Union testing facility for textiles
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1481 designates the Directorate-General for the General Chemical State Laboratory, Greece, as a Union testing facility for textiles under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. The facility’s role includes product compliance testing for market surveillance authorities.
EU Council
Council to hold informal Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry)
Ministers will meet informally on 9 July 2026 to address competitiveness and industrial policy, including implications for cross-border retail and supply chains.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee: Motions addressing new GM food authorisations
The ENVI Committee tabled three motions for resolution (Sirpa Pietikäinen, rapporteur) on Commission Implementing Decisions regarding renewals and new authorisations for genetically modified maize NK603 × T25, soybean MON 87705, and maize DP202216 x NK603 x DAS-40278-9 and sub-combinations, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
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AGRI Committee holds ordinary meeting focusing on agriculture policy
The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development convened on 29 June 2026 in Brussels to review ongoing agricultural and rural development issues impacting the sector, with implications for food retail and supply chains.
What We're Reading This Week
- Revealed: Set-jetting locations set to hit the big time in 2026: Travel destinations featured in upcoming films are expected to see a surge in tourism as set-jetting trends rise for 2026.
- Italy’s luxury portfolio expands with Hyatt, IHG and Dior Spa openings: International hospitality and fashion brands are boosting Italy’s luxury sector with new hotel and spa locations opening nationwide.
