Rules for small parcels coming into the European Union changed on 1 July 2026. The European Commission's taxation and customs site explains the temporary flat fee. Rules in this area change quickly, so check the official page before you order.

This guide is based on the public sources listed at the end. We have not tested the products or services mentioned.

This is a short reference page. The full guide is Customs, Duties and Import Taxes When You Buy from Abroad.

What changed

From 1 July 2026 the old duty exemption for small parcels ended. A flat customs duty of EUR 3 per item applies to distance-sales consignments up to EUR 150 from outside the EU, until 1 July 2028. After that, normal duties by product type apply.

What "per item" means

It means per tariff category. Five T-shirts count as one item type (EUR 3). A T-shirt plus a watch is two (EUR 6).

Who pays

The seller or importer is mainly liable, not the shopper. Consumers pay only in limited cases. Goods under preferential trade agreements are excluded in some cases.

What is coming

A proposed EU handling fee (amount and date still to be set, expected autumn 2026) and product identifiers (voluntary from 1 July 2026, mandatory from 1 November 2026). An EU customs data hub is planned for 1 July 2028.

Shopper checklist

Check whether the listing says duties and taxes are included, or collected on delivery. Keep order and customs paperwork for returns. See our international shipping and customs guide.

Last checked: 15 October 2026. Sources: European Commission, flat fee on low-value imports (guidance of 8 June 2026).