Customs Duties: The EU Closes Low-Value Parcels Loophole
On November 13th, 2025, the European Commission agreed to eliminate the €150 customs duty relief threshold and potentially introduce “handling fees” on e-commerce packages as of 2026.
Given the evolution of the e-commerce model, this exemption is no longer justified and creates unfair competition. This initiative directly addresses the sharp rise in low-value B2C parcels shipped from non-EU platforms to EU consumers.
This measure aligns with the VAT framework already in force since 2021, which abolished the €22 VAT relief threshold, applying VAT on all commercial goods imported into the EU from third countries and requiring an import declaration.
The removal of the customs duty exemption threshold means that all goods, regardless of their value, will no longer be exempt from customs duties – ensuring fairer conditions between wholesale and retail importers.
Until mid-2028, a temporary system will be in place to facilitate duty calculation on low-value parcels; afterwards. the EU Customs Data Hub will centralize the entire customs processing.
This agreement marks a pivotal step in the modernization of EU customs procedures, paving the way for a more streamlined, transparent, and equitable system.
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