The European Union (EU) has confirmed it will remove the €150 customs duty exemption for low-value imports starting July 1, 2026. This change will directly impact ecommerce sellers that ship goods into the EU, increasing costs and adding new compliance requirements.
Under the new rules, all parcels entering the EU will be subject to customs duties. During a transition period, a flat €3 duty will apply to low-value shipments. This marks a major shift for cross-border ecommerce, where many sellers relied on the exemption to keep prices competitive.
For ecommerce businesses, the impact is immediate. Costs per order will rise, and sellers must manage more complex customs processes. This includes accurate product classification, declared values, and providing detailed shipment data. Failure to comply could lead to delays, penalties, or rejected shipments.
To adapt, sellers should review pricing strategies, shipping methods, and delivery terms. Many may need to switch to Delivered Duty Paid models to maintain a smooth customer experience. Investing in systems that automate order, inventory, and customs data management will also help reduce risk and manual work.
Get ahead of EU duty changes with better data, automation, and visibility. Book a Descartes demo today.