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Shipping to Europe?
Here's What You Need to Know! EU Introduces
New Import Duty Rules
Effective 1 Jul 2026
A complete summary of all changes — plus how to ship through FastShip smoothly, without customs delays or rejected parcels.
What's Changing in Europe?
Previously, goods valued at €150 or less were exempt from import duties. As of 1 July 2026, the European Union has officially abolished this exemption.
Flat-Rate €3 Import Duty Per Product Type
EU customs will now charge a flat rate of €3 per HS Code — not per parcel, but per product category contained within the parcel.
⚠️ Regardless of an item's value — even if it costs just €1 — every parcel shipped into the EU is now subject to import duty. There are no exceptions.
VAT (Value Added Tax) Still Applies
All goods imported into the EU are still subject to VAT at the destination country's applicable rate.
📌 VAT rates generally range from 21% – 25% of the item's declared value.
Note: Some countries may charge additional Handling Fees or Clearance Fees, which are separate from the €3 flat-rate duty and VAT.
How Does the Flat Rate €3 Work?
The duty is calculated based on the number of product categories (HS Codes) in the parcel — not the number of individual items.
Box contains 3 T-shirts (same HS Code)
Box contains a T-shirt + jeans + cap (different HS Codes)
💡 Pro Tip: Pack items of the same category together in one box to minimize your duty costs.
Check if your destination country is on this list
⚠️ Note: The United Kingdom (UK) is not included — the UK has its own separate import duties and customs regulations.
With IOSS vs. Without IOSS —
What's the Difference?
IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) acts as a "fast-track pass" that notifies EU customs that VAT on the parcel has already been paid.
| Comparison | 🟢 With IOSS Number (complete info provided) | 🔴 Without IOSS Number |
|---|---|---|
| EU Customs Clearance | ✅ Fast-tracked via Green Lane Digital document verification, immediate release — no holds or delays. |
🚫 Parcel placed on Customs Hold Held for duty assessment, causing significant delivery delays. |
| Hidden Charges | ✅ No additional charges The recipient simply waits for delivery at their door — stress-free. |
⚠️ Presentation Fee applies The local carrier charges the recipient €5–€15 for customs clearance. |
| Business Risk | ✅ Very Low Parcels arrive on time, customers leave 5-star reviews, and your business grows. |
🚫 Very High Customers may refuse delivery, parcels get returned, and sellers lose both shipping costs and sales opportunities. |
The Seller or the Customer?
It depends on how you sell — check your seller type below.
🛒 Selling on a Marketplace (Amazon / Etsy / eBay)
- VAT is collected at checkout via the platform's IOSS system — no separate action required from the seller.
- The new €3 Import Duty is the seller's responsibility.
- Always copy your IOSS number from the Marketplace back-end and enter it into FastShip when creating each shipment — never skip this step!
🌐 Selling on Your Own Website (Shopify / WooCommerce)
- You must register for IOSS separately through the EU VAT registration system or through an authorized intermediary.
- If you don't have your own IOSS number, we recommend FastShip's DDP or All-in service.
- FastShip will handle customs clearance from origin — ideal for sellers who prefer a hassle-free experience.
📦 General Exporters (Not selling online / No IOSS)
The recipient pays all VAT, import duties, and applicable handling fees upon delivery at the destination.
FastShip pre-pays all import duties, VAT, and applicable fees on your behalf — reducing delays at the destination country's customs.
Ship to the EU via FastShip —
Seamlessly and Stress-Free
For sellers on marketplaces where VAT has already been collected by the platform.
Always Obtain and Enter Your IOSS Number
Copy the IOSS number from your Marketplace back-end (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) and enter it in the "IOSS Number" field in the FastShip booking system every time you create a shipment. This prevents EU customs from charging VAT twice.
Declare Each Item Individually
Do not use generic descriptions such as "Gifts" or "Clothing." List each item in detail, including its quantity, so the system can correctly apply the €3 duty per product category.
Provide a Product Identifier
Add the barcode or platform-specific identifier to the product details. This allows customs to conduct safety checks more quickly. (This requirement takes effect from 1 November 2026.)
Choose Your Preferred Shipping Term
FastShip offers a full range of options — DDU, DDP, or our All-in (duties included) service — so sellers can choose the solution that best fits their needs and budget.
Have Questions About EU Import Duties?
Our FastShip Team Is Ready to Help — Free!
We help exporters ship to Europe correctly — without customs delays or rejected returns — backed by over 15 years of experience.
