European Union introduces new handling fees for non-EU online orders

The European Union is implementing new customs reform measures affecting online purchases from non-EU countries. Starting November 1, a new handling fee of 2 euros per item will be introduced for customs declarations.

This fee applies to all distance sales from outside the EU, regardless of the shipment's value, meaning it will affect orders exceeding the 150 euro threshold. In some regions, this fee will be applied in addition to the 3 euro flat-rate customs duty introduced in July. The new regulations also mandate stricter product identification, requiring merchants and manufacturers to provide specific product identifiers on customs declarations to help authorities filter out dangerous or non-compliant goods.

While consumers do not pay the fee directly to customs, the costs are expected to be managed and collected by postal services, couriers, or the online platforms themselves. Authorities have warned shoppers to verify if fees charged by foreign e-shops are actually being used to settle official customs debts to avoid the risk of double payment.