The European Union is making changes to customs duties from July 2026, meaning that it will cost more to send most parcels to Europe.
From 1 July, they will be removing the exemption on low-value shipments and introducing a customs duty of €3 per item for shipments up to €150 imported from outside of the EU.
This means that, for Islanders sending packages containing more than one item, €3 will be charged per item – for example, if you send three different items together, the total duty will be €9.
Gifts with a value up to €45 are unaffected, while shipments above €150 will continue to attract full customs duties under current rules.
Duties and taxes will be collected by the destination postal service on delivery to the recipient (in the EU) initially. From November 2026 further EU changes will come into effect where duties and fees will be charged before sending an item, when postage is purchased.
The European Union is undergoing customs reform over the next two years. From 1 July 2028 full customs duties will apply from the first euro and processed through a new centralised EU customs hub.
More details on EU regulations can be found at the following links:
We’ve been contacted by several Islanders in recent weeks who are still unable to obtain credit cards, despite credit reference agencies now having secure access to Islanders’ data through new data-sharing arrangements.
Since our last update in July, where we answered consumers’ questions about the new credit data-sharing arrangements, we’ve been told that Islanders are still being refused access to credit cards from providers such as American Express, John Lewis and Barclaycard.
You can come and meet representatives of the Jersey Consumer Council next week and talk to us about any consumer issues you may be facing.
For our second ‘Jersey Consumer Fair... On the road’, we’ll be at St Brelade Parish Hall at St Aubin on Thursday, 8 October, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
As the evenings become cooler and Christmas items begin to appear in the shops, autumn is a good time to take a fresh look at your household spending.
Winter can bring additional costs, from higher energy use and fuel to seasonal shopping and household expenses. So, taking a little time now to check what you’re currently paying for could help you avoid unnecessary costs and unpleasant surprises later in the year.
Water bills will be going up again next year, with average households set to pay around £30 more as Jersey Water continues its investment in securing the Island's water supply.
The utility provider has confirmed its water charges for 2027, alongside its priorities for the second year of its strategy to 2030.
The Jersey Consumer Council is saddened by the death of one of our Council Members, Pat Le Masurier.
Pat had been a committed and respected Member since July 2018, and was passionate about giving her time and experience to help improve consumer issues for Islanders.
September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.
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An update on credit cards
Bringing consumer advice to your parish
Autumn money check-up: Ten things to review before winter
Water bills to rise again in 2027 as desalination upgrade gets under way
Death of Council Member Pat Le Masurier
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