EU Approves New €3 Customs Duty on Low-Value E-commerce Parcels
Starting in July 2026, shopping on online platforms outside the EU will become slightly more expensive. European Union Member States have greenlit the introduction of a fixed €3 customs duty per item for parcels valued under €150.
This measure aims to address a specific challenge: narrowing the competitive gap between foreign e-commerce giants and traditional European retailers, ensuring a more level playing field within the market.
A Bridge Toward Digital Reform
The current customs exemption for parcels under €150 was originally slated to end in 2028. However, the surge in imports prompted the Commission and the Council to accelerate the timeline.
The €3 duty will serve as a transitory measure until 2028, when the EU Customs Data Hub is expected to be fully operational. This new digital infrastructure will centralize all customs data, allowing authorities to precisely monitor every flow of goods entering or exiting Union territory.
Duties vs. Fees: What Changes for Consumers?
It is important to distinguish between two different costs that may appear in the coming years:
- Customs Duty (€3): To be applied from July 2026 to offset unfair price competition from abroad.
- Handling Fee: A separate measure currently under negotiation, tentatively scheduled for November 2026. Unlike the duty, this fee is intended to cover the rising operational costs incurred by customs authorities.
Strengthening the Customs Union
The proposal to eliminate the customs exemption, first introduced by the Commission in May 2023, was fast-tracked by the Council in November 2025. This reform is not only about protecting the revenue of European businesses; it also aims to safeguard jobs in the retail sector and ensure better protection for consumers through more rigorous checks on imported goods.