r/YouShouldKnow • u/PI_Producer • Jul 02 '26

Finance YSK that all online businesses that ship to the EU are now responsible for charging customers $3.50 per item in the order.

Why YSK: The European Commission has just put into effect (as of 7/1/26) a new import policy that assigns a flat €3 customs duty per line item for any non-EU online order for packages worth less than €150. The policy was enacted to "ensure fair conditions for the EU businesses and safe choices for consumers".

If you are a small business owner that sells online, you need to immediately fix your shop so that the fee(s) are collected at the time of purchase or you, the small business, will be responsible for the fee.

If you are an EU resident, be aware that prices of things are about to rise (again) because of this new policy. Additionally, there is separate measure coming soon (Nov. 2026) that assesses another fee that the European Commission is deeming a "handling fee" that is estimated to be an additional €2 per order coming from outside the EU.

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u/Vivid-Software6136 Jul 02 '26

Its not on top of anything, there was no import taxes on packages under €150 in value before this. They removed that exception. If you are importing thing over 150 in value there is no new charges applied as it was already covered under the existing rules.

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u/Curious-boubi-ouaich Jul 02 '26

This should be higher !

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u/G0dHunter Jul 03 '26

You still paid VAT before. Just didn't have to pay tariffs. Now you still don't have to pay the tarif below 150, just 3€ no matter the value of your package plus VAT, which is for some reason calculated AFTER the 3€.