Last week, EU finance ministers agreed to abolish the €150 customs duty relief threshold for low-value goods imported into the EU. Once implemented, customs duties will apply from the first euro of value, ensuring alignment with existing VAT rules for imported goods and addressing concerns around fairness and compliance in the fast-growing small-parcel segment.

This decision is also supported by the European Parliament in its recent Resolution on product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports.

The new rule will take effect when the EU Customs Data Hub becomes operational, currently foreseen for 2028. In addition, the Council committed to putting in place a transitional mechanism to apply duties on parcels below €150 as early as 2026, until the Data Hub is fully functional.

As discussed in the context of the ongoing UCC reform, a flat handling fee is expected to play a role in this temporary solution. The exact design is still being finalised, and we will continue to closely monitor the process.

For reference:

• Commission press release
• Council press release

We will keep you informed as more details become available.

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