July 1 2026: New EU Customs / Import Fees Update

Dear fans, 

The European Union has introduced a new flat €3 customs duty (per category) on parcels valued under €150 imported from outside the EU. The charge applies per item type (based on the declared HS tariff codes) rather than per package or per number of items. It affects all online shopping platforms and applies until July 2028. To read the full press release from the EU, click here.

This new rule seems mainly aimed at combatting sellers of low cost goods such as Shien, Temu and AliExpress, yet they have made no exemptions and are applying this rule to all businesses outside of the EU equally, without concern as to how it may affect your rights and choices as a customer.

How the new €3 Fee Works

You will pay €3 Per item type when your parcel arrives into the EU.

For example: If you buy three Shirts, you would pay €3 total. Note that the fee is not per item - one item type = one fee.

However, If you buy one Shirt, one Tape, and one LP, you would pay €9 total, because these products all are categorized under different tariff codes (3 item types x €3 = €9). 

Note: These fees are not collected at the point of purchase here and are paid by the importer (you) when the goods enter the EU.

Who pays this fee?

You (the importer) will pay this fee on arrival into the EU.

Is this replacing import taxes/VAT?

No. This is an additional charge on top of any other Import Taxes/VAT you may be responsible for when your package arrives to your country. 

Does OOS prepay VAT or Fees for EU customers?

No, we do not. Any import taxes due are your responsibility to pay when the package arrives to your country. Failure to pay these import taxes may result in your package being returned to us.

Is there any way around this?

At the present time, not that we know of. Unfortunately the EU has decided to implement this new rule which further increases taxes and penalises citizens who choose to order from businesses outside the EU.

We are as frustrated by this change as we assume you will be. However, we want to ensure you have all the information necessary before deciding to make a purchase from us.

Should you have any specific questions about this please use the Contact Form to write us a message. Thank you.

Last updated: July 4, 2026.