The Council has agreed on new measures to address the growing number of low-value parcels entering the EU from non-EU countries without paying customs duties. This practice creates unfair competition for EU-based sellers and increases environmental pressure due to excessive parcel shipments.
Eliminating the €150 customs threshold
EU finance ministers reached an agreement to abolish the rule that exempts goods valued under €150 from customs duties. With this change, all imported goods will be subject to customs duties, regardless of value. This aligns customs procedures with existing VAT rules, which already apply from the first euro.
This new measure will take effect once the EU Customs Data Hub is operational—currently expected in 2028. The hub will allow customs authorities across the EU to calculate customs debt per item and apply full customs procedures to small parcels.
Why this change is needed
Today, up to 65% of small parcels entering the EU are believed to be undervalued to avoid paying customs duties. In 2024, 91% of all e-commerce parcels below €150 originated from China. This situation distorts competition and encourages companies to split shipments into multiple small parcels, increasing environmental impact.
Transitional solution starting in 2026
Recognising the urgency, the Council also committed to introducing a simple, temporary mechanism for charging customs duties on low-value parcels by 2026, bridging the gap until the EU Customs Data Hub becomes fully operational in 2028.
