Direct-to-EU parcel shipping just got harder, and the volumes show it
EU customs authorities tightened their treatment of low-value ecommerce parcels arriving from third countries in August 2026. China to EU parcel volumes fell sharply year on year as a result. Any brand that serves European customers by posting individual parcels across the border is exposed to the same shift.
The EU’s customs overhaul is now in force. Check your setup.
The European Union’s overhauled customs reform package entered into force on 22 September 2026, per reporting by the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade. Every brand importing goods into the EU sits inside its scope, whether those goods arrive as pallets or as single parcels.
US Section 301 Forced Labor Tariffs on EU and UK Goods
The US applied Section 301 Forced Labor tariffs of 10-12.5% to EU and UK-made textiles, electronics components and consumer goods from July 24, 2026. These are inbound tariffs and don’t affect outbound US-to-EU ecommerce sales.
UK Low Value Import Threshold Reform Confirmed: £135 Limit to Change from October 2028
HMRC has confirmed the UK’s £135 duty-free import threshold will be reformed, with implementation set for October 2028. No immediate action is required, but brands planning UK entry have until then to build in-market logistics.
UK-India Free Trade Agreement in Force from 15 July: Key Facts for Ecommerce Brands
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2026, giving 99% of Indian goods duty-free or reduced-duty access to the UK. Directly relevant for brands sourcing from India; limited impact for others.
EU Customs Charge Rising to €5 Per Parcel From November 2026
A new €2 handling fee joins the existing €3 flat-rate duty from November 2026, bringing the combined EU customs charge to €5 per parcel. Multi-SKU orders face compounding costs, strengthening the case for EU in-market warehousing.
EU ViDA Implementing Regulation Sets Updated IOSS Framework for January 2027
EU Implementing Regulation 2026/1869 updates the IOSS framework from January 2027, tightening digital VAT reporting for ecommerce sellers.
US Products Can Enter Europe Duty-Free From July 2026. Here’s What Changes
Regulation EU 2026/1455 removes import duty on US industrial goods from July 2026. Find out if your products qualify and what changes for EU sellers.
Every EU-Bound Parcel Now Carries a Customs Charge
From 1 July, every parcel entering the EU from outside attracts a €3 flat-rate customs duty. November adds mandatory product identifiers and a €2 handling fee. Here’s the full timetable and what it means for your shipping model.
EU Parliament Ratifies Turnberry – But a Suspension Clause Keeps Risk on the Table
The European Parliament ratified the Turnberry framework 440-151. The July 4 deadline set by President Trump is expected to be met — but a suspension clause on EU steel and aluminium tariffs means this isn’t settled yet.