The 1 July 2026 change
Commission guidance describes temporary €3 customs duty per customs item on qualifying consignments up to €150 from outside the EU, effective 1 July 2026. It replaces the former exemption and is described as applying until 1 July 2028.
Not simply €3 per parcel
The measure is per customs item, not one fee for every parcel. Grouping and declaration details matter. Read the current technical Q&A and ask how your carrier treats this declaration.
VAT is still separate
The temporary duty is not VAT. Destination tax rates and collection arrangements still need checking. Ask whether your route collects charges before dispatch or leaves payment to the recipient.
Keep item identifiers and invoices
The guidance describes product identifiers becoming mandatory from 1 November 2026. Keep seller links, chosen variants, quantities and purchase records for correct declarations.