EU approves new parcel fee and e-commerce rules
The EU is moving ahead with a landmark overhaul of its customs system that will introduce a new handling fee for small parcels, make e-commerce platforms responsible for customs compliance and create a central EU Customs Authority.
The Council has given its final approval to the reform, described as the most comprehensive update of the EU customs framework in decades.
The changes are designed to address the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing number of small parcels entering the European Union, while improving duty collection and strengthening controls on unsafe and non-compliant goods.
E-commerce platforms to take responsibility
Under the new rules, non-EU e-commerce platforms selling goods into the EU will be considered the importer of those goods.
This means platforms will become responsible for customs declarations, duty payments and ensuring goods comply with EU requirements, rather than placing responsibility on individual consumers.
A new system of penalties will also target e-commerce operators that fail to meet their customs obligations.
In serious cases, companies could face fines of up to 6% of the annual import value of goods imported during the previous year. Customs privileges could also be withdrawn, while online platforms could face access restrictions.
Small parcel fee planned for November 2026
One of the most significant changes for the parcel sector will be the introduction of an EU-wide handling fee for small parcels.
The fee is expected to be in place by 1 November 2026, with the European Commission responsible for setting the charge before it is implemented by member states.
The measure is intended to help customs authorities manage the growing costs associated with monitoring the huge volumes of low-value e-commerce shipments entering the EU.
It is separate from the EU’s earlier decision to remove the customs duty exemption for imported goods valued at less than €150.
New Customs Authority to launch in Lille
The reform will also establish a new EU Customs Authority, which will be based in Lille, France, and is expected to begin operations in 2027.
The authority will oversee the coordination of the EU Customs Union and make use of a new EU Customs Data Hub.
The platform will provide a central system for importers and exporters to interact with customs authorities across the EU, while giving officials access to real-time data to identify higher-risk shipments.
The authority will also coordinate customs crisis management and help establish common EU risk criteria and priority control areas.
Simplified processes for trusted traders
The legislation introduces a new category of highly reliable businesses known as “trust and check traders”.
Companies that meet strict transparency and compliance requirements will be able to benefit from simplified customs procedures.
The most trusted traders could eventually release goods into circulation in the EU without active customs intervention, potentially reducing processing times and costs.
E-commerce data hub mandatory from 2028
The European Parliament is expected to approve the final legislation later this month.
Once formally adopted and published, the new EU Customs Data Hub will become mandatory for e-commerce businesses from 1 July 2028. All other traders will be required to use the system from 1 March 2034.
The reform comes as customs authorities face an unprecedented rise in cross-border parcel volumes.
In 2025, EU customs offices handled around six billion e-commerce parcels, with more than 90% of those shipments arriving from China.
Across the EU, 2,200 customs offices and 84,000 customs officials collected almost €31bn in customs duties while also managing more than 1.5 billion items in traditional trade.
With e-commerce continuing to reshape cross-border trade, the reforms signal a major shift in how the EU intends to manage the flow of small parcels and hold online marketplaces accountable for the goods they sell into the bloc.
