EU to introduce mandatory flat-fee customs duty on low-value e-commerce imports

Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union will implement a new customs policy requiring a flat fee of €3 for every category of goods ordered from outside the EU. This regulation affects low-value shipments previously exempt from customs duties, specifically those valued at €150 or less. The policy will remain in effect as a temporary measure until July 1, 2028. The European Commission stated that this move is part of a broader reform to modernize customs procedures, address safety standard compliance, and ensure fair competition for local retailers. In 2025, approximately 5.9 billion low-value items entered the EU tax-free, prompting authorities to reconsider these exemptions. The €3 fee applies per category of goods; for instance, a package containing different types of items will incur a fee for each distinct category. Exemptions are maintained for non-commercial gifts between private individuals valued under €45. The Cypriot Customs Department confirmed that this measure will be applied uniformly across all 27 EU member states.