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Shipping from the UK to the EU? Customs Are Changing in 2026 – Don’t Get Caught Out

Shipping from the UK to the EU? Customs Are Changing in 2026 – Don’t Get Caught Out

Published: Jan 26, 2026

Ecommerce

If you sell from the UK to EU customers, an important customs change is coming. From 1 July 2026, a fixed €3 customs duty will apply to low-value parcels (€150 or less) entering the EU from non-EU sellers. For UK ecommerce brands, this is a significant shift in how small parcels are treated at the border.

This isn’t just another regulatory update. If you don’t prepare, your customers could face extra charges on delivery, parcels may be delayed or stopped, and EU sales could suffer.

Managing VAT and customs can already feel complex, and these changes add yet another layer. To help you get ahead, we’ve created a practical EU VAT & Customs Compliance Checklist, designed specifically for UK ecommerce brands shipping into the EU.

Key Changes to EU Duties You Need to Know

These changes are part of a wider EU Customs Reform designed to modernise import processes and shift more responsibility onto sellers. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The EU is abolishing the €150 exemption
  • A €3 customs duty will apply to shipments valued at €150 or less
  • It will apply per item based on its tariff heading
    • This means the duty isn’t per parcel, but per unique type of product. 
    • For example, a parcel with two T-shirts and one hat would incur €3 for the T-shirts and €3 for the hat, for a total of €6.
  • Ecommerce shipments from non-EU sellers, including the UK, will be affected
  • The €3 duty is separate from VAT and from current carrier handling fees
  • This is a temporary measure, with plans to move to standard EU tariffs for low-value goods in future
  • The charge will apply from 1 July 2026

In short: selling into the EU is becoming more tightly regulated – and the cost of getting it wrong is increasing.

How the EU €3 Customs Duty Will Impact Your UK Ecommerce Business

The EU remains one of the largest and most valuable markets for UK ecommerce brands, but from July 2026, new customs rules will change how low-value parcels are handled at the border.

The introduction of the €3 customs duty means sellers must take more responsibility for how duties and VAT are managed, or risk damaging both sales and customer experience.

Your Next Step: Download the EU VAT & Customs Compliance Checklist

The EU’s new €3 customs duty is a clear signal that cross-border ecommerce is becoming more tightly regulated. Brands that act early will be better placed to avoid delivery issues, protect their customer experience, and keep EU sales running smoothly as the changes come into force.

We’ve put together a step-by-step EU VAT & Customs Compliance Checklist to help you prepare with confidence.

The checklist covers:

  • What the €3 duty means for your pricing and checkout
  • IOSS decisions and responsibilities
  • Customs data requirements for smooth EU delivery

Following the checklist will make sure your EU operations stay seamless – giving you an edge over competitors who wait until the last minute.

Download the EU €3 Customs Duty Compliance Checklist to make sure your ecommerce shop, shipping workflows, and operations are ready well ahead of July 2026.

FAQs: EU €3 Customs Duty & IOSS for Ecommerce Sellers

Do parcels under €150 have a €3 EU customs duty?
Yes. From 1 July 2026, all low-value parcels (under €150) shipped from non-EU countries to EU consumers will incur a fixed €3 customs duty. This fee is separate from VAT and any carrier handling charges.

What happens if I don’t register for IOSS?
Without an IOSS number, EU customers may be charged VAT at delivery, leading to unexpected fees, slower customs clearance, and higher cart abandonment. Registering for IOSS ensures a smoother checkout and predictable costs for your customers. 

Please note IOSS charges are separate to the new €3 charges.

Will the €3 EU customs duty be permanent?
No. The €3 duty is temporary. The EU plans broader customs reforms, which may introduce new tariffs, automated import checks, or updated VAT collection processes in the coming years.

Does the €3 customs duty replace existing EU tariffs?
The €3 duty is a temporary fee for low-value parcels. Standard EU tariffs still apply to shipments over €150 and may change once wider EU customs reforms are implemented.

What should my ecommerce store do to prepare for the €3 duty and IOSS?

  • Register for an IOSS number if you haven’t already. 
  • Ensure your shop displays VAT and duties correctly at checkout.
  • Automate customs documentation with software such as Zenstores where possible.
  • Check our EU VAT & Customs Compliance Checklist for step-by-step preparation guidance.

Can Zenstores help with EU customs and IOSS compliance?
Yes. Zenstores pulls product data from Shopify, including HS codes, values, and descriptions, and submits it with your IOSS number to carriers. Customs paperwork is generated automatically alongside shipping labels, reducing errors and speeding up EU delivery.