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EU HS Code Tariff Changes from 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the EU is changing how customs duty is charged on goods imported from outside the EU, including products shipped from the UK.
What's changing?
From 1 July 2026, the EU introduced a temporary β¬3 customs duty for qualifying low-value parcels worth up to β¬150 coming from outside the EU.
In addition, from 1 November 2026, a new EU-wide β¬2 handling fee is scheduled to apply to qualifying small parcels sold online from outside the EU. These are two separate charges.Β
|
Charge |
Amount |
What it covers |
|---|---|---|
|
Customs duty |
β¬3 per product category in the customs declaration |
Importing goods into the EU |
|
EU handling fee |
β¬2 per qualifying item under the new rules |
Customs processing and controls |
|
VAT |
Varies by country |
Tax on the goods and applicable import costs |
The β¬3 duty is not necessarily charged for every individual product in a parcel: products sharing the same customs classification can count as one category. The new handling fee is a separate charge.
For example:
- A parcel containing only hat bases (one HS code) = β¬3 customs duty + β¬2 handling fee
- A parcel containing hat bases and silk flowers (two HS codes) = β¬6 customs duty + β¬4 handling fee
- A parcel containing hat bases, silk flowers and ribbon (three HS codes) = β¬9 customs duty + β¬6 handling fee
So, the more different types of products in a shipment, the more customs charges may apply.Β
It's also worth noting that multiple quantities of the same product will not affect this either;
- A parcel containing 5 x 10.5cm Round Sinamay Hat Bases and 3 x Large Brim Sinamay Boater Hat Bases (one HS code) = β¬3 customs duty + β¬2 handling fee
These charges will be collected at checkout through our website.
Which EU countries does this apply to?
These duties apply ALL EU countries, however due to new rules regarding PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) that were introduced August 12, 2026, we are only currently shipping to the following EU countries;
- Republic of Ireland
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
We hope to reintroduce shipping to all other EU countries once there is more clarity on the new rules and regulations.Β
What are HS codes?
HS codes are used to classify products for customs. Every item has one, and it tells customs:
- What the product is
- How much customs duty should be charged
- Whether any special rules or restrictions apply
For example, a sinamay hat base, a silk flower and a length of ribbon will all have different HS codes.
What about orders over β¬150?
For shipments worth more than β¬150 (excluding VAT), nothing changes. Customs duty will still be calculated using the product's HS code, country of origin and customs value, just as it is today.
What about VAT and IOSS?
The new β¬3 customs duty + β¬2 handling fee doesn't replace or change VAT. The new β¬3 customs duty + β¬2 handling fee is simply an additional customs charge and is separate from the VAT process.
Why is the EU doing this?
The EU says the changes are designed to:
- Create a fairer system for EU businesses.
- Reduce customs fraud and undervalued imports.
- Make customs processing more consistent.
- Improve the way millions of online orders are handled every year.
This is a temporary measure and isΒ scheduled to end on 1 July 2028, replaced by the EU's new permanent customs regime as part of the wider customs reform programme.