EU to levy €3 e‑commerce import duty on low‑value goods from non‑EU countries

From 1 July 2026 all EU member states, including Greece, will apply a special import duty of €3 for each distinct product bought online from non‑EU countries when the order value does not exceed €150. The charge is calculated per product type, not per parcel; for example a parcel containing a book, a notebook and a pen would incur a €9 duty. The duty is payable to customs by the platform, seller, carrier or authorised representative and is non‑refundable for simple consumer returns, but can be reclaimed for defective or non‑conforming goods. VAT continues to be collected through the existing IOSS system and at customs. The measure, described as a “shield for local employment” by the president of the Larissa Chamber of Commerce, aims to curb the influx of cheap, untaxed goods that distort competition for EU retailers, especially small and medium‑size businesses. It is a transitional rule and will expire on 30 June 2028, after which normal customs duties based on tariff classification will apply.