New EU customs regulations for non-EU e-commerce imports

Effective July 1, 2026, all 27 European Union member states will implement a new customs policy for low-value goods imported from non-EU countries. The regulation abolishes the previous duty-free exemption for consignments valued up to 150 euros. Under the new system, a temporary flat-fee duty of 3 euros per product category will be applied to all such orders until July 1, 2028. This measure aims to protect local retailers, improve revenue collection, and ensure compliance with safety standards on platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress. The fee applies only to goods arriving from outside the EU; items shipped from warehouses within the union remain exempt. Gifts exchanged between private individuals valued under 45 euros are excluded from this charge. After July 2028, the simplified flat-fee system will be replaced by standard duties based on specific product tariff categories. Cypriot customs official Yorgos Konstantinou confirmed the implementation of these rules, which are part of a broader European Customs Reform.