EU proposes additional two-euro handling fee for small international parcels

The European Union is proposing an additional handling fee of two euros per item for small parcels arriving from outside the EU. This fee would be applied in addition to the temporary three-euro customs duty that was introduced on July 1 for shipments valued up to 150 euros.

According to the Croatian Chamber of Economy, this new handling fee is expected to be implemented by November 1, 2026, though the final amount must be formally determined by the European Commission. Because the customs duty and handling fees can be applied per tariff category, a single package containing multiple types of goods could face significantly higher costs.

The broader EU customs reform also shifts responsibility for imports. E-commerce platforms operating outside the EU will increasingly be treated as importers, making them responsible for customs formalities and the payment of duties, rather than leaving the burden solely on the end consumer. The temporary customs system is currently slated to remain in place until July 1, 2028, when it will be replaced by standard customs rates based on product types.