EU De Minimis Removal: What It Means for Your MyUS Shipments
If you shop from US and UK retailers and ship to Europe with MyUS, you may have heard about the European Union's new customs rules.
As of July 1, 2026, the EU introduced significant changes to how it processes low-value imports. While these updates modernize customs procedures and create more consistent import rules across member states, they also introduce new charges and data requirements that shoppers should understand before ordering.
Here's what changed, what hasn't, and what it means for MyUS members.
What Changed?
Previously, many imports valued at €150 or less qualified for customs duty relief under the EU's de minimis threshold.
Beginning July 1, 2026, that exemption has been replaced with a temporary customs duty structure.
For eligible shipments valued at €150 or less, customs authorities now apply:
- A flat €3 customs duty per customs declaration line (HS tariff classification)
- New customs data requirements that will expand later this year
- Additional processing fees in some EU countries
The new €3 charge is currently expected to remain in place until approximately mid-2028, when the EU plans to implement its longer-term customs reform framework.
What Does "Per Declaration Line" Mean?
This is one of the most confusing parts of the new regulation.
The fee is not charged once per shipment.
Instead, it's charged for each customs declaration line, which generally represents a different product classification.
For example:
| Shipment | Possible Customs Duty |
|---|---|
| 3 Identical T-Shirts | €3 |
| 1 T-Shirt + Pair of Sneakers | €6 |
| Shoes + Backpack + Watch |
€9 |
The actual number of declaration lines depends on how customs classifies the products.
Does This Replace VAT?
No.
The new customs duty is separate from VAT.
Import VAT still applies under EU rules.
This means your shipment may include:
- Import VAT
- The new €3 customs duty (per declaration line)
- Any applicable carrier or customs processing fees
Some EU Countries May Charge Additional Processing Fees
While the new €3 interim customs duty is an EU-wide measure, some member states also apply their own national customs, postal, or administrative handling charges when processing imported shipments.
These fees are separate from customs duty and import VAT and are determined by each country's customs authority or postal operator.
For example:
Italy
Italy may apply customs presentation or clearance fees through the carrier or postal operator handling your shipment. These charges help cover the administrative costs of processing imports through customs and may apply even to lower-value shipments.
Romania
Romania has introduced additional logistics and customs processing charges for certain imported goods. Depending on the carrier and shipment type, importers may see separate handling fees in addition to customs duty and VAT.
Other EU Member States
As the EU's customs reforms continue to roll out, other member states may introduce or adjust their own administrative or customs handling charges. These fees can vary based on:
- The destination country
- The carrier handling your shipment
- The shipment value
- The customs clearance process required
Because these charges are established at the national level, the total amount due may differ from one EU country to another, even for similar shipments.
What Does This Mean for MyUS Members?
If you're shipping to an EU country, your total import costs may include several different components:
| Possible Charge | Who Determines It? |
|---|---|
| Interim €3 Customs Duty (per declaration line) | European Union |
| Import VAT | Destination country |
| National customs or handling fees | Destination country or customs authority |
| Carrier clearance or brokerage fees (when applicable) | Shipping Carrier |
This means two shipments with the same purchase value could have different import costs depending on where they're being delivered within the European Union.
New Product Information Requirements Coming November 2026
Beginning November 1, 2026, many business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments entering the EU will require additional customs data.
Customs declarations may need to include product identifiers such as:
- Merchant Product ID
- Manufacturer Product ID
- Standardized Product ID (when available)
These identifiers are intended to improve customs automation and product traceability.
In most cases, shoppers won't need to provide this information manually, but retailers, marketplaces, shipping providers, and customs systems will increasingly rely on more detailed product data.
What Does This Mean for MyUS Members?
If you're shipping to an EU destination, you may notice:
Slightly Higher Import Costs
Low-value shipments that previously entered without customs duty may now incur the new interim customs duty.
More Detailed Customs Information
Accurate product descriptions are becoming even more important as customs requirements continue to evolve.
Potential Country-Specific Charges
Depending on your destination country, additional processing or handling fees may apply.
Tips to Help Your EU Shipments Clear Customs Smoothly
To help avoid unnecessary delays:
- Use clear and accurate product descriptions.
- Verify the declared value of your purchases.
- Review your destination country's import requirements before shipping.
- Be prepared for customs duties, VAT, and any local processing fees that may apply.
Why Is the EU Making These Changes?
The European Union says the reform is intended to:
- Modernize customs processing
- Improve tax and duty collection
- Create more consistent treatment of imported goods
- Strengthen enforcement against undervalued shipments
- Prepare customs systems for increasing cross-border e-commerce
These updates are part of a broader modernization effort that will continue through the coming years.
Shop Internationally with Confidence Using MyUS
International shipping regulations continue to evolve, but MyUS helps make shopping from the US and UK easier by providing:
- Fast international shipping to more than 220 countries and territories
- Package consolidation to reduce shipping costs
- Multiple shipping carrier options
- Shipment tracking from warehouse to delivery
- Flexible shipping options that let you ship when you're ready
Whether you're ordering clothing, electronics, beauty products, or gifts, MyUS helps you shop from your favorite retailer and ship them to your doorstep worldwide.
Create your MyUS membership today and enjoy reliable international shipping from the US and UK, even as global customs rules keep changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the EU eliminate the €150 de minimis exemption?
Yes. As of July 1, 2026, the previous customs duty exemption for many imports valued at €150 or less has been replaced by a temporary €3 customs duty per customs declaration line.
Do I still have to pay VAT?
Yes. Import VAT rules have not changed. VAT is separate from the new customs duty and may still apply depending on your shipment.
Is the €3 fee charged once per shipment?
No. The €3 customs duty applies per customs declaration line (HS classification), not once for the entire shipment.
Will every EU country charge the same fees?
The EU-wide €3 customs duty is consistent across member states, but some countries may also charge additional national handling or processing fees.
Does this only affect MyUS shipments?
No. These customs changes apply broadly to qualifying imports entering the European Union, regardless of the shipping provider.