New levy on non-EU parcels kicks in on Sunday in a bid to curb the influx from China

The US$2.25 fee will apply to each type of item in a package sent directly to consumers from outside the EU regardless of the parcel’s value

The European Union will from Sunday slap a €2 (US$2.25) handling fee on packages from outside the 27-nation bloc in a bid to curb the influx from China.

The new levy – coming just weeks before the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas season shopping rushes – will be on top of the EU’s €3 fee on small parcels.

The fee will apply to each type of item in a package sent directly to consumers from outside the EU regardless of the parcel’s value.