If you have recently seen constant advertisements for Temu, this is no coincidence, because the provider is trying with all its might to gain traction in Europe. The platform works a bit like an Amazon marketplace or AliExpress – so Temu doesn’t sell products itself, but through third-party manufacturers.
As with other Chinese shopping sites, goods are imported first, resulting in long delivery times. Although Temu claims to send all goods free of charge, this effect disappears if you have to pay extra in Germany.
Media lawyer Christian Solmicki even stated in a YouTube video that the matter there could have legal consequences. The Universal Postal Treaty for Small Parcels stipulates that customs duties must be paid for orders over 150 euros.
However, Temu may send such orders in smaller partial shipments, each valued at less than EUR 150. If customs notices it, you will have to pay import sales tax and customs duties.
There are also some products on Temu that are banned in Germany. In addition to Nazi devotional items and throwing stars, this also includes product plagiarism – and if you buy multiple products there, you may be accused of having commercial intent. Then, according to Solmicki, the disputed amount could quickly reach five figures.
