UK sellers sending low-value goods to customers in Europe are being warned to prepare for a new customs duty of around £2.50 per parcel, effective from July 1, 2026. The charge, set at €3, applies to business-to-consumer parcels valued under €150 entering the European Union.
Wayne Mills, shipping expert at Seven Seas Worldwide, said the change could catch out small businesses and online sellers who fail to adjust their pricing and delivery processes. “A charge of around £2.50 may not sound dramatic on its own, but if you are a small UK seller sending lots of lower-value items into Europe, it can quickly start to matter,” he said.
The new duty is part of wider EU customs reforms targeting low-value parcels, as cross-border online shopping grows. Mills urged sellers on platforms such as Etsy, eBay, Shopify and Amazon to review their customs paperwork and clearly communicate any extra costs to buyers before purchase.
“Customers hate surprise costs,” Mills said. “If someone thinks they have paid for everything at checkout, then gets told there is more to pay before their parcel can be delivered, they are likely to blame the seller.” He added that sellers should not mark commercial goods as gifts to avoid charges, as customs declarations must be truthful.
The charge is particularly relevant for sellers of lower-cost items such as clothing, jewellery, craft products, books and beauty goods. Mills warned that even a small fee could deter buyers from ordering from the UK again, especially if they face delays or unexpected costs.
