New EU customs duty now in effect for low-value imports
Summary: Starting July 1, 2026, the EU will introduce a new €3 customs duty for imported items valued under €150. eBay has updated its import fee system to align with these changes. Royal Mail shipping to the EU via eBay is temporarily unavailable, and sellers should use their carriers for shipments. The Global Shipping Programme will handle import fees upfront, while sellers using their delivery methods need to consult their carriers about new requirements. Delivery times may initially be longer as customs and carriers adjust. Sellers and buyers should stay informed about updates on EU customs rules.
Starting 1 July 2026, the European Union is introducing a new customs duty of €3 on imported items valued under €150.
To help ensure a smooth buying and selling experience, eBay has updated its import fee experience for eligible transactions and will continue to support cross-border trade into the EU.
What this means for sellers
Due to these changes in EU customs requirements, Royal Mail International and Packlink label purchases on eBay are temporarily unavailable for shipment to the EU. Sellers should purchase their postage label directly from their carrier to complete their shipment.
For sellers using the Global Shipping Programme, applicable import fees, including any customs duties, will continue to be handled as part of the programme. Buyers will pay applicable import fees at checkout and should not be charged additional import fees at delivery.
For sellers using their own delivery methods, carriers may collect applicable import fees as part of the import process. Some carriers may begin requiring duties-prepaid shipping, also known as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), into the EU for certain services or destinations. Sellers should check with their carrier regarding any new EU requirements, and review their pricing and delivery arrangements, as appropriate.
What this means for buyers
For items shipped through the Global Shipping Programme, applicable import fees will be shown at checkout and buyers should not be charged additional import fees at delivery.
For items shipped using a seller's own delivery method, carriers may collect applicable import fees as part of the import process. Depending on the delivery service used, buyers may be contacted by the carrier about applicable import fees before delivery.
Delivery times may also be longer than usual during the initial implementation period as carriers and customs authorities adjust to the new requirements.
What’s next?
We will continue to monitor the implementation of the new EU requirements and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available. We encourage sellers to check back regularly for the latest information. As always, our goal is to make international trade as simple as possible.
Please note that the €3 customs duty applies per unique item under the applicable EU customs rules. For more information, see the European Commission’s guidance page.
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