What is the EU €3 customs duty?
- Arne Mielken
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
🔓The EU introduced a new flat fee for low-value imports on 1 July 2026. Discover how this impacts e-commerce businesses.
New EU import rules since July 2026Summary: The European Union introduces a flat €3 customs duty on all small parcels valued under €150 starting 1 July 2026. This measure removes the previous de minimis exemption to tackle unfair competition and ensure product compliance. Non-EU sellers must prepare for mandatory tracking requirements. |
How much do you pay under the new rule?
The European Union removes the old duty-free threshold for small packages. From 1 July 2026, you must pay a fixed €3 customs duty on consignments valued up to €150. This flat fee applies per item based on tariff classification rather than the package as a whole. For instance, if a parcel contains separate types of goods, the fee multiplies. The temporary measure remains active until 1 July 2028, when the permanent EU Customs Data Hub goes live.
Which goods face the €3 customs charge?
The new regulation targets distance sales of imported goods directly to EU consumers. The charge applies to almost all e-commerce flows, specifically affecting businesses that use the Import One-Stop Shop VAT scheme. The policy aims to level the playing field for local businesses facing an influx of low-cost international shipments.
Package Contents | Number of Tariff Items | Total Customs Duty Applied |
5 T-shirts (same type) | 1 Item | €3 |
1 T-shirt + 1 watch | 2 Items | €6 |
Why did the EU remove the de minimis exemption?
EU authorities report massive growth in low-value imports, which surged to 5.9 billion items in 2025. Investigations revealed that over 60% of these unchecked goods failed to comply with EU safety or environmental standards. Toys and cosmetics showed the highest rates of non-compliance. The fixed fee reduces the competitive advantage of non-compliant imports and funds stricter border enforcement. To enhance traceability, product identifiers will become mandatory on 1 November 2026.
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Author: Arne Mielken | Certified Customs Expert and Managing Director | Updated: 1 July 2026
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