Selling to the EU? New duty on low-value parcels from July

From 1 July 2026, EU member states will introduce a fixed €3 customs duty per item in small consignments (those valued under €150). The measure has been imposed in the wake of the 4.6 billion low-value parcels entering the EU in 2024, with roughly nine in 10 originating from China. The EU Council is worried that this is leading to unfair competition for EU sellers, health and safety risks for consumers, high levels of fraud and environmental concerns.

For the UK’s small exporters selling low-value products, for example individual magazines direct to consumers, €3 per item is significant. If couriers charge additional admin fees to collect it, the real cost could be higher. Customer friction is also a risk: charges revealed at delivery are likely to increase failed deliveries, returns and lost repeat sales.

The temporary measure will stay in place until 2028, when it’ll be replaced with full, standard customs duties and the €150 threshold will be abolished. At this point, e-commerce platforms sending items to the EU will be required to collect duties and VAT at checkout.

Those affected will need to model the impact on their most common baskets, whether costs can be absorbed, decide whether customers will pay duties at checkout or on delivery, and tighten product and customs data.

If this is impacting you, we would welcome your feedback, please email [email protected]