The European Union has introduced new customs requirements for parcels entering EU member states from countries outside the European Union. These changes affect both personal and commercial shipments and may result in additional customs charges and documentation requirements.

At Shippex, we want to keep our customers informed so you can avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.

What’s Changing?

Removal of the €150 Customs Duty Exemption

The previous customs duty exemption for shipments valued at €150 or less has been removed.

This means that eligible personal imports with a declared value of €150 or below may now be subject to a €3 customs duty per customs declaration line, depending on how the shipment is declared by customs.

Business Imports

If you are importing goods as a VAT-registered business, your shipments will continue to be processed under the standard EU customs procedures and applicable duty rates.

More Detailed Product Information

EU customs authorities may now require more detailed information about the products being imported. Accurate item descriptions are becoming increasingly important to ensure faster customs clearance.

Examples of good descriptions include:

  • Men’s cotton T-shirt
  • Wireless computer mouse
  • Stainless steel kitchen knife
  • Leather handbag

Avoid generic descriptions such as:

  • Gift
  • Accessories
  • Parts
  • Samples
  • Merchandise

How to Avoid Customs Delays

When shipping to any European Union country with Shippex, we recommend that you:

  • Provide clear and accurate product descriptions.
  • Declare the correct value of every item.
  • Upload invoices when requested.
  • Ensure your shipment information matches the actual contents of the package.

Providing complete and accurate information helps customs authorities process your shipment more efficiently and reduces the risk of delays.

Ship with Confidence

Shippex continues to deliver parcels to destinations across Europe while helping customers stay compliant with changing customs regulations.

If you have questions about shipping to the EU or need assistance with customs documentation, our support team is ready to help.

Ship smarter. Ship globally. Ship with Shippex.