July 1 2026: New EU Customs / Import Fees Update

Dear fans, 

The European Union has introduced a flat €3 customs duty (per category) on parcels valued under €150 imported from outside the EU. The charge applies per item type (based on its HS tariff code) rather than per package. 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 customer rights.

How the €3 Fee Works at present

You will pay €3 Per item type when your parcel arrives into the EU: If you buy three Shirts, you will pay €3 total. If you buy one Shirt, one Tape, and one LP, you pay will €9 because they fall under different tariff codes. These fees are not collected at the point of purchase here.

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 your taxes and penalises its citizens who choose to order from businesses outside the EU.

We  are as frustrated by this change as we assume you will be. We apologise for this change but it is out of our control and coming from the EU Commission.

Last updated: July 3, 2026.