Key facts
- A 2-euro handling fee on non-EU parcels takes effect Sunday, October 27, 2026.
- The fee applies per item within a package, regardless of parcel value.
- This is on top of a 3-euro duty for small parcels under 150 euros.
- The EU states the fee aims to curb imports from China and cover customs costs.
- European consumers are not expected to pay the fee, but retailers may add it before sale.
The European Union is implementing a new 2-euro handling fee on packages originating from outside its 27 member states, effective Sunday, October 27, 2026. This measure is designed to curb the significant influx of parcels, particularly from China, and to offset the rising costs incurred by customs authorities. The fee applies to each individual item within a package, irrespective of its declared value, and is levied in addition to an existing 3-euro duty on small parcels under 150 euros. The EU insists that European consumers will not bear the direct cost, though online retailers may incorporate it into their pricing before a sale.