EU low-value parcels: €3 duty now, €2 handling fee from 1 Nov
Online consignments up to €150 pay a temporary €3 duty per item. A €2 Union handling fee is due to apply from 1 November 2026.
Since 1 July 2026 the EU has charged a temporary €3 customs duty per item on online purchases of up to €150 from outside the EU, replacing the earlier duty exemption. The temporary duty is set to run until 1 July 2028, when normal duties are meant to apply once the Customs Data Hub is operational.
The Commission's updated guidance says a €2 Union handling fee will apply from 1 November 2026 to cover the cost of customs processing of small parcels. From the same date, product identifiers become mandatory for import distance sales.
Responsibility for duty and compliance now sits with the platform, seller or carrier rather than the consumer. Exporters shipping parcels to EU buyers should check how these charges are allocated in their sales terms.
Please confirm: This summary is for information only. Confirm the details with your customs broker or financial adviser before acting.