Question 1

What exactly is the new €3 charge?

Accepted Answer

It is a fixed customs duty of €3 applied to low-value goods (consignments valued under €150) entering the EU from outside the bloc. It replaces the previous duty-free treatment for small parcels and mainly targets e-commerce shipments.

Question 2

When does this new rule start?

Accepted Answer

The measure takes effect on 1 July 2026. It is an interim (temporary) rule, initially running until July 2028, with possible extension.

Question 3

Is the €3 charged per parcel or per item?

Accepted Answer

It is not charged per parcel. The €3 duty applies per different item / tariff heading (HS code) within a consignment. Multiple identical items of the same type count as one charge.

Question 4

Which packages are affected?

Accepted Answer

Packages/consignments with a value under €150.
Goods imported from non-EU countries (primarily e-commerce from platforms like Shein, Temu, AliExpress).
Applies especially to shipments where the seller is registered in the EU’s Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) for VAT.

Question 5

Why is the EU introducing this €3 duty?

Accepted Answer

The main goals are:
To end unfair competition for EU businesses caused by the previous duty-free loophole.
Reduce massive volumes of low-value imports (millions of parcels daily).
Address fraud, health/safety risks, and environmental impact from ultra-cheap goods.

Question 6

Does this replace VAT?

Accepted Answer

No. VAT (usually 21% or country-specific rate) still applies in addition to the €3 customs duty. The €3 is purely a customs duty.

Question 7

Will buyers notice this at checkout?

Accepted Answer

For IOSS-registered sellers, the €3 duty (plus VAT) is often collected upfront at the time of purchase. Otherwise, it may be charged by the carrier upon delivery, potentially leading to surprise fees for the recipient.

Question 8

Are there any exemptions?

Accepted Answer

The rule applies broadly to small consignments under €150. Goods over €150 were already subject to normal (often higher) customs duties. Specific product exemptions or special categories may exist under standard EU customs rules, but the flat €3 generally covers most low-value e-commerce items.

Question 9

Is there an additional handling fee?

Accepted Answer

Some EU countries already charge or plan national postal/customs handling fees (reports mention a potential €2 fee in discussion). The €3 is the EU-wide customs duty, but total extra costs for the buyer can be higher depending on the carrier and member state.

Question 10

How will this affect shoppers and sellers?

Accepted Answer

Shoppers: Low-cost items from non-EU platforms will become noticeably more expensive (extra €3 + VAT + possible handling).
Sellers: Non-EU platforms must adapt pricing, use IOSS registration, and improve compliance. EU-based sellers gain a more level playing field.

This reform is part of a broader EU customs modernisation effort to better manage the surge in e-commerce imports. For the most up-to-date details, check official EU sources or your carrier’s guidance closer to the date.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions