The European Parliament has approved customs rules introducing a handling fee for each item bought from non-EU web shops and sent directly to EU consumers. Member states must start collecting it by 1 November 2026 at the latest, with the European Commission responsible for setting the amount.
At a glance
- What changes
- A handling fee for each qualifying item
- Collection deadline
- 1 November 2026
- Who it affects
- Buyers receiving direct non-EU online purchases
- Fee amount
- To be set by the European Commission
- Importer duties
- Assigned to sellers and platforms
On this page
Which purchases the fee covers
According to the European Parliament, the handling fee applies to each item bought from a non-EU web shop and sent directly to an EU consumer. For buyers in Ireland, that covers online purchases arriving directly from outside the EU.
Count the items in your order when considering the fee.
The fee amount and collection deadline
Member states must begin collecting the handling fee by 1 November 2026 at the latest.
The European Commission will determine the exact amount and revise it every two years.
Sellers and platforms take importer duties
The reform treats sellers and platforms facilitating direct distance sales from non-EU countries to EU customers as importers.
- Supply the customs data for the goods.
- Pay or guarantee the charges.
- Ensure the goods comply with EU laws.
EU lawmakers also approved a new customs authority as part of the customs code reform.
Questions
Will the EU parcel handling fee apply to online purchases delivered to Ireland?
It covers each item bought from a non-EU web shop and sent directly to an EU consumer, including a buyer in Ireland.
When must collection of the EU handling fee start?
Member states must start collecting it by 1 November 2026 at the latest.
How much will the EU parcel handling fee cost?
The European Commission will set the exact amount. It will revise the amount every two years.
Who must provide customs data under the new rules?
Sellers and platforms covered by the direct distance sales rules will be treated as importers. They must supply customs data, pay or guarantee charges and ensure goods comply with EU laws.
Sources
- European Parliament (primary source): The European Parliament adopts new e-commerce and customs rules: News: European Parliament, read 16 September 2026
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PostCompare news desk
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