Changes to import duties in the European Union

Thursday, 25 June 2026 10:00

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:

Guidance and legal text on temporary flat fee on low-value imports which will apply until 1 July 2028 - Taxation and Customs Union

Regulation - EU - 2026/382 - EN - EUR-Lex

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