Upcoming EU Customs Changes for Low-Value Parcels - What UK Sellers Need to Know

If you send parcels from the UK to the EU, there are some important customs changes coming over the next few years. The European Union is reforming how it handles low-value imports, particularly e-commerce shipments entering the EU from non-EU countries.

These changes will be introduced in stages between 2026 and 2028.

Below, we explain what is changing, when it’s happening, and what it means for Interparcel customers.

Sections in this guide:

- Why The EU Is Changing It's Customs Rules
- Key Change 1: The €150 Duty-Free Threshold Is Ending
- Key Change 2: EU-Wide Customs Duty From 1 July 2026
- National Handling Fees: Country-Specific Charges
- Proposed EU-Wide Handling Fee
- Who Pays These Charges - Sender Or Receiver?
- Longer-Term Changes From 2028
- What This Means For Interparcel Customers
- Timeline

Why the EU Is Changing Its Customs Rules

The EU is modernising its customs framework to better manage the growing number of low-value parcels entering the EU from outside the bloc.

Historically, goods valued under €150 could enter the EU without customs duty. While VAT has already been addressed through systems like IOSS, the duty exemption led to:

• An uneven playing field between EU and non-EU sellers
• Increased fraud and under-declared shipments
• Difficulties enforcing product safety and compliance

Key Change 1: The €150 Duty-Free Threshold Is Ending

The EU has agreed to remove the long-standing €150 customs duty exemption.

• Once the full reform is in place, customs duty will apply from the first euro of value
• This is currently planned for 2028, alongside new EU-wide customs systems

Until then, the EU is introducing interim measures.

Key Change 2: EU-Wide Customs Duty From 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, a new EU-wide customs duty will apply to low-value imports.

What's changing:

• A fixed €3 customs duty will apply to parcels valued below €150
• This applies to shipments imported from outside the EU, including the UK
• The duty is separate from VAT and applies even if VAT has already been paid at the point of sale (for example via IOSS)

Important detail:

• The €3 charge is applied per tariff heading
• If a parcel contains multiple different product types, more than one €3 charge may apply

This is a temporary, transitional measure until the full customs reform is implemented.

National Handling Fees: Country-Specific Charges

Some EU countries are introducing their own national administrative or handling fee ahead of any EU-wide scheme.

For example:

• Italy has confirmed a €2 administrative handling charge for low-value imports from outside the EU
• This took effect from 1 January 2026

Key points:

• These charges are country-specific
• They apply in addition to customs duty and VAT
• Other EU countries may introduce similar fees, but rules and timelines vary by destination

Proposed EU-Wide Handling Fee (Still Under Discussion)

In addition to customs duty changes, the EU has proposed a separate EU-wide handling or administrative fee for low-value parcels.

What we know so far:

• The proposal is not yet finalised
• It would apply across all EU member states
• It would be separate from customs duty and VAT
• If approved, it is likely to be introduced in late 2026 or early 2027

We’ll continue to update customers as this develops.

Who Pays These Charges - Sender or Receiver?

In most cases, customs duties and handling fees are payable by the receiver (the importer) in the destination EU country, not the sender.

This means:

• The recipient may be asked to pay:
• EU customs duties (such as the €3 low-value duty from July 2026)
• Any national handling or administrative fees applied by the destination country
• VAT, if it has not already been paid at the point of sale
• These charges are usually collected by the courier or local customs authority before delivery

Please note that these costs are currently not included in our DDP services (Delivered Duties Paid) with FedEx, where the sender pays all of the applicable taxes and fees. Therefore, the recipient may still be asked to pay them.

From July 2026, upon the full introduction of the EU Customs Duties, these cost will become fully included in our DDP offerings. We will keep you updated if this changes.

Longer-Term Changes From 2028

By 2028, the EU plans to fully implement its customs reform package, including:

• Full abolition of the €150 threshold
• Standard customs duty rates applying to all imported goods, regardless of value
• Introduction of a centralised EU Customs Data Hub to streamline customs declarations and enforcement

At this stage, low-value goods will be treated in the same way as higher-value imports for customs purposes.

What This Means For Interparcel Customers

If you send parcels from the UK to the EU:

• Shipments will continue to be treated as imports from outside the EU
• From 1 July 2026, low-value parcels under €150 may be subject to:
• EU-wide customs duties
• Country-specific handling or administrative fees
• In most cases, these charges are payable by the receiver, unless duties and taxes are explicitly pre-paid
• VAT rules reamin unchanged and continue to apply as they do today

Final charges can vary depending on:

• Destination country
• Parcel contents and declared value
• When the shipment is sent

Timeline At A Glance

• January 2026: Some national handling fees begin (for example, Italy)


• 1 July 2026: EU wide €3 customs duty introduced for parcels under €150


• Late 2026 / Early 2027: Possible EU-wide handling fee (still proposed)


• 2028: Full customs reform and removal of the €150 threshold

We'll Keep You Updated

We’re monitoring these changes closely and will continue to keep our customers informed as regulations are finalised and implemented.

If you have questions about shipping to the EU, customs charges, or how these changes may affect your deliveries, our customer service team is always happy to help.