European Union to implement new handling fee for non-EU online parcels

Starting November 1, 2026, the European Union will introduce a new handling fee of 2 euros for direct online purchases from third countries. This fee is intended to cover the costs of customs services resulting from the rapid increase in small e-commerce shipments.

The new charge will be applied per customs declaration line rather than per physical package. This means that if a single parcel contains multiple items from different tariff categories, the fee will increase accordingly. For example, a package containing five identical items would incur a 2-euro fee, whereas a package with a shirt and a watch would incur a 4-euro fee.

This handling fee is in addition to the 3-euro customs duty that has been in effect since July 1, 2026, for shipments valued up to 150 euros. The fee applies to all direct electronic sales from non-EU countries to EU consumers, even if the value exceeds 150 euros. The cost is typically collected by the declarant—such as platforms like Temu, Shein, and AliExpress, sellers, or courier services—who may incorporate it into the final product price or shipping costs.