If you regularly send parcels to customers in the European Union, there are some important customs changes on the way that could affect your shipments.
From 1 July 2026, the EU will introduce new rules for low-value imports, changing how customs duties are charged on goods valued at €150 or less. The changes will affect businesses, online sellers, marketplaces, and consumers shipping goods into EU countries.
Understanding these changes now can help you avoid customs delays, unexpected costs, and potential disruption to your customers.
Sections in this blog:
Key dates
15 JUNE 2026
Recommended date to begin providing product identifier information for applicable B2C shipments.
1 JULY 2026
The €150 duty-free threshold will be removed and new customs duty rules will take effect.
NOVEMBER 2026 (PROPOSED)
The EU is considering the introduction of an additional customs handling fee of approximately €2 per parcel.
What's changing?
The €150 duty-free threshold is being removed
Currently, goods valued at €150 or less can enter the EU without customs duty being charged.
From 1 July 2026, this exemption will end. Low-value shipments will no longer be duty free, meaning customs duty may apply regardless of the value of the goods.
This change forms part of the EU's wider customs reform programme, designed to modernise import processes and create a more consistent approach to customs charges.
New €3 Customs Duty
A new flat-rate customs duty of €3 will apply to eligible low-value imports valued at €150 or less.
It's important to note that this charge applies per customs declaration line, not per parcel.
For example:
- One declared item = €3 customs duty
- Three separately declared items = €9 customs duty
The number of declaration lines can vary depending on factors such as:
- Commodity codes (HS codes)
- Product descriptions
- Country of origin
This charge is separate from VAT and any courier administration fees that may apply.
What about VAT?
The VAT rules are not changing.
The EU removed the VAT exemption for low-value goods in 2021, meaning all imported goods are already subject to VAT regardless of value.
The changes coming in July 2026 relate specifically to customs duties and additional customs data requirements.
IOSS will still be available
The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme will continue to operate and can still help businesses collect VAT at checkout.
However, the new customs duties will sit alongside IOSS and are not covered by the scheme. Businesses using IOSS should therefore review how the additional duty charges may impact their shipping costs and customer pricing.
For businesses selling regularly into Europe, IOSS may still help simplify VAT collection and customs processing.
New product data requirements
Alongside the new customs duty rules, additional product information will be required for many business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments valued at €150 or less.
The following information may need to be provided:
- Merchant Product Identifier
- Non-standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier
- Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (where available)
These requirements are designed to improve customs visibility and support faster processing of shipments entering the EU.
To help avoid delays when the regulations take effect, businesses should begin preparing this information well in advance.
Why accurate shipment information matters
Accurate customs data has always been imperative, but these new regulations place even greater emphasis on the quality of shipment information provided.
Incorrect or incomplete product descriptions, missing product identifiers, or inaccurate recipient details could lead to customs delays, additional checks, or delivery disruptions.
We also recommend ensuring recipient contact details, including a valid email address, are provided whenever possible. This can help customs authorities or carriers contact recipients quickly if payment or clearance information is required.
How these changes affect online sellers
For businesses selling to customers in the EU, these changes may increase the overall cost of low-value shipments and make customs processes more complex.
As duties will now apply to shipments valued at €150 or less, it's important to understand who will be responsible for paying these charges. If duties and taxes are left for the recipient to pay, unexpected costs can sometimes lead to refused deliveries or delays.
Businesses should review their shipping strategy ahead of July 2026 and consider whether collecting duties and taxes upfront could provide a smoother experience for customers.
Use DDP for EU shipments
Interparcel offers a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) option on selected international services, allowing duties, taxes, and customs charges to be paid upfront by the sender when the shipment is booked.
This means recipients won't face any unexpected customs charges, helping to improve the delivery and customer experience along with reducing the risk of delays.
With the upcoming EU customs changes introducing new charges on low-value goods, DDP provides greater transparency and cost certainty for both senders and recipients.
If you're regularly shipping to customers in Europe, now is a good time to review whether DDP could benefit your business.
Please note that if you choose not to use a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service, then it is likely that the receiver will be billied following delivery.
Want more information on our DDP services? Read our DDP solutions guide.
Possible additional fee later in 2026
The EU is also considering the introduction of a separate customs handling fee, expected to be around €2 per parcel from November 2026.
This proposal has not yet been finalised, but businesses shipping into the EU should be aware that further charges may be introduced later in the year.
If approved, this would be in addition to the new customs duty charges introduced in July.
What should you do now?
If you send parcels to EU countries, we recommend:
- Reviewing how these additional customs charges may affect your pricing and margins
- Ensuring product information is accurate and readily available
- Preparing to provide product identifiers where required
- Assessing whether IOSS is appropriate for your business
- Utilising DDP services for a smoother customer experience
- Keeping customers informed about any potential customs charges
We'll keep you updated
As more guidance becomes available from EU customs authorities and our courier partners, we'll continue to share updates and advice to help you prepare for these changes.
If you're ready to ship to Europe with greater certainty, Interparcel's DDP solution is available on selected international services, helping you manage duties and taxes upfront and reduce customs-related surprises for your customers.
If you have any questions about shipping to Europe, our parcel experts are here to help.
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