Import tax to be levied on more parcels sent from overseas

More postal parcels arriving in China from other countries will be subject to an import tax from Sept 1, according to the latest customs regulation.

Previously, when the import tax on a parcel was calculated as lower than 500 yuan, it was made exempt from fees. That minimum threshold will be dropped to 50 yuan, as stated on the website of the General Administration of Customs.

The new rule is expected to hit overseas purchasers the hardest, since they buy products on other people's behalf and earn commission from the deals.