Changes to low-value shipments entering the EU have been on the horizon for some time, but with 1 July 2026 approaching, the focus is now shifting from awareness to preparation.
From that date, goods valued at €150 or less imported into the EU from non-EU countries will no longer benefit from duty relief. Instead, a flat €3 customs duty will apply.
For UK businesses shipping into Europe, particularly those operating in ecommerce, this is something that now needs to be factored into day-to-day operations.
A quick reminder of how it works
The key detail is that the €3 charge is not applied per parcel.
It is applied per item type, based on its tariff (commodity code) within a shipment.
That means:
- A single parcel can incur multiple charges
- Items under the same commodity code are grouped together
- The €150 threshold still applies to the overall consignment
Example:
A shipment contains:
- A t-shirt
- A toy
- A phone charger
As these fall under different commodity codes, the shipment could attract multiple €3 charges, despite being one parcel.
Who this affects
This change is primarily aimed at e-commerce imports and will affect:
- Non-EU sellers, particularly those using the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS)
- Businesses shipping directly to EU consumers
- Companies sending frequent low-value consignments
The charge applies to goods entering the EU from outside the bloc, not just UK shipments.
It is also separate from VAT, which will continue to apply as normal.
Why this matters now
This isn’t a new announcement, but it is a near-term operational change.
As July approaches, businesses that have not yet reviewed their setup may start to feel the impact through:
- Additional costs on shipments
- Margin pressure on lower-value goods
- More complex pricing and quoting
Even though €3 may seem small, it can quickly add up across volume or multiple product categories.
What businesses should be reviewing
Now is the time to take a closer look at how your shipments are structured.
Order composition
Are your shipments likely to contain multiple product types with different commodity codes?
Product classification
Are your goods correctly classified, and do you understand how they group for customs purposes?
Shipping model
Would it be more cost-effective to:
- Consolidate shipments
- Ship in bulk into the EU
- Hold stock within EU distribution centres
- Pricing strategy
Will you absorb the cost, pass it on, or adjust your pricing structure?
Looking slightly further ahead
This €3 duty is a temporary measure, expected to remain in place until wider EU customs reforms are introduced in 2028.
Those reforms are likely to move away from flat-rate charges and towards standard duties based on product type.
For businesses trading regularly with the EU, this is part of a broader shift rather than a one-off change.
How Beckchoice can support
Understanding changes like this early can make a real difference.
With over 46 years in freight forwarding and in-house customs clearance, Beckchoice supports businesses moving goods between the UK and the EU every day.
If you would like to review your current setup or understand how this change may affect your shipments, we’re here to help – get in touch.
Final thought
July might feel close, but there is still time to prepare.
Taking the time now to review your shipments, pricing and processes could help avoid unnecessary costs later.
Details around how the €3 duty will be collected are still being finalised, so further guidance may follow ahead of implementation.
Accurate as of 1 May 2026, based on EU Council agreement (February 2026), and subject to change as further guidance is released.