New three-euro customs duties on parcels: strong step on safety, zero tolerance for illegal surcharges

The European Union is implementing a significant change to its customs policy, introducing a three-euro duty on all imported parcels starting July 1, 2026. This reform abolishes the previous exemption for goods valued under €150, a measure that had been in place since before the surge in e-commerce. The primary objective is to enhance product safety by ensuring more rigorous checks on incoming goods. Previously, approximately 15 million small parcels entered the EU daily with limited scrutiny due to the “de minimis” rule. The new flat duty of three euros per item category, payable by the commercial importer, aims to consolidate shipments and facilitate more effective safety controls by authorities. This shift is expected to encourage bulk imports and reduce the volume of individual, less-checked packages. While BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, supports the enhanced safety measures, it raises concerns about potential illegal surcharges passed on to consumers. Consumer law mandates that the full price be disclosed upfront, and any attempt by postal or delivery operators to add these duties at the doorstep after a purchase would be a violation. This reform underscores the EU's commitment to stricter oversight of imported goods and greater consumer protection in the digital marketplace.