Sending parcels to Europe? New EU charges start this Sunday

Islanders posting parcels to friends, family or customers in the EU are being reminded that further customs changes come into force on Sunday, 1 November, and they could mean higher costs for the person receiving the parcel. From that date, all goods sent into the EU will attract a new €2 Union Handling Fee. This is on top of the €3 customs duty fee that was introduced in July.

How much will it cost?

The charges are worked out by product type, using each item’s customs classification (known as an HS code). The fee is charged for each different type of item in a parcel, not for each item.

Jersey Post gives these examples:

• A gift worth under €45: no charge
• Two T-shirts (same type of item): €5
• A T-shirt and a watch (two different types of item): €10
• A T-shirt, a watch and a book: €15

The new handling fee is not included in the value used to calculate import VAT.

Who pays?

For now, the person receiving the parcel pays the fees and duties when it is delivered. Jersey Post is working on a system that will let senders pay these charges when they post the parcel. If you’re sending a present, it’s worth letting the recipient know in advance so the charge doesn’t come as a surprise.

Some countries temporarily unavailable

Until that new payment system is ready, goods cannot be posted to Austria, Germany or Spain. Postal operators in those countries can’t yet collect the charges from recipients. Jersey Post says this list may change as EU countries adapt to the new rules.

Extra information needed

If you’re sending goods (rather than a gift worth under €45), you will need to provide more product details. This includes a merchant identifier, such as an SKU, item code or catalogue reference, and a manufacturer identifier, such as a supplier SKU, model code or internal product reference. Local businesses selling to EU customers should check that they have this information ready.

Our advice

Check costs before you post, tell recipients about possible charges, and if you’re sending to Austria, Germany or Spain, hold off for now or look at other options. Online sellers may want to update their delivery information for EU customers.

For the latest updates, visit jerseypost.com/EUcustoms.