New EU customs duties on low-value imports starting July 2026

Starting 1 July 2026, the European Union will implement a new temporary customs duty of €3 per product category on online purchases imported from third countries. This regulation affects parcels with a value under €150, which were previously exempt from such charges. The policy specifically impacts platforms like Temu and Shein, aiming to create fairer competition for EU-based businesses. The €3 fee is applied per distinct product category rather than per parcel, meaning a single shipment containing multiple types of goods will incur the charge for each category. For instance, a parcel with three different items could face €9 in duties before VAT. Customs officials confirmed this change is part of an effort to manage the high volume of low-value imports entering Europe. Private gifts between individuals valued up to €45 remain exempt from these charges. Consumers are expected to see price increases of approximately 15% to 30% on low-value goods. The implementation method depends on whether the retailer participates in the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system.