European Union approves major customs reform for e-commerce

EU customs reform e-commerce regulation small parcel fees import duties customs compliance

The European Union Council has approved a major reform of the EU customs framework, marking the most significant overhaul of the system in decades. The reform aims to modernize customs procedures, improve tax collection, and strengthen oversight of goods that are unsafe or do not comply with European standards.

A central component of the change involves e-commerce platforms based outside the EU. These platforms will now be treated as importers, making them responsible for customs formalities and tax payments rather than the end consumer. This shift targets the massive growth in small parcels entering the EU, much of which originates from China.

To manage the volume of small shipments, the EU will introduce a special handling fee for small parcels, expected to be implemented by November 1, 2026. This is distinct from the temporary flat-rate customs duty of three euros per category of goods for shipments valued under 150 euros, which was introduced earlier this year.

Non-compliance with these new regulations can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to 6% of a company's total annual import value from the previous year. Additionally, the reform establishes a decentralized European Customs Agency to coordinate the customs union and will utilize a new European customs data hub to analyze import and export data.

Entities

EU Council · European Commission · European Council · European Union · Shein · Temu

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[● 4 SOURCES] The reform aims to modernize customs procedures, improve tax collection, and enhance oversight of unsafe or non-compliant goods. financije.hr · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr · maribor24.si
[● 4 SOURCES] The EU Council approved a comprehensive reform of the European Union's customs framework. financije.hr · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr · maribor24.si
[● 4 SOURCES] A special handling fee for small parcels will be introduced by November 1, 2026. maribor24.si · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr · financije.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] Responsibility for customs formalities and tax payments shifts from the consumer to the e-commerce platform. financije.hr · maribor24.si · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] A temporary flat-rate customs duty of three euros per category of goods applies to shipments valued under 150 euros. maribor24.si · www.tportal.hr · www.espreso.co.rs
[● 3 SOURCES] Serious non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of a company's total annual import value from the previous year. financije.hr · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The reform establishes a decentralized European Customs Agency to coordinate the customs union. financije.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] Non-EU e-commerce platforms will be treated as importers of goods sold within the EU. financije.hr · maribor24.si · www.sigmalive.com · www.tanea.gr