In 2026 the EU introduces two customs charges on orders shipped to EU countries. This article explains each one: when it applies, how much it costs, how it's calculated, and how it appears in Subliminator.
What each EU order pays
Order customs value | Orders from July 1, 2026 | Orders placed from November 1, 2026 |
Up to €150 | €3 per product type | €3 per product type + $2.50 |
Over €150 | No €3 duty | $2.50 only |
From November 1, 2026, every EU order also needs the customer's email address. "EU" means the 27 EU member states; the UK, Switzerland, Norway and other non-EU countries are not affected. Both charges are separate from VAT, which is unchanged.
1. EU import duty: €3 per product type (July 1, 2026 – 2028)
From July 1, 2026, orders shipped to the EU with a customs value up to €150 pay a customs duty of €3 per product type. It is a temporary EU measure that applies until 2028.
How the duty is calculated
The €3 is charged per product type, not per item. Products are grouped by their customs classification (commodity code), so:
Multiple units of the same product type = one €3 charge.
Each different product type adds another €3.
Examples (orders up to €150 shipped to the EU):
Order contents | Duty charged |
2× Fashion Hoodie - AOP | €3 |
1 Fashion Hoodie - AOP + 1 Leather Tote Bag - AOP (2 different product types) | €6 |
3× Leggings - AOP + 2× Fashion Hoodie - AOP (2 product types) | €6 |
In short: count the distinct product types in an order, then multiply by €3.
Orders over €150
Orders with a customs value above €150 don't pay the €3 duty. From November 1, 2026, they pay only the $2.50 handling fee (see section 2).
Currency
The duty is set by the EU in euros (€3 per product type), but Subliminator charges in US dollars. We convert it for you and show the USD amount. Because exchange rates move, the final amount is set by the exchange rate at the time of billing, so the figure shown when placing the order is approximate. Your invoice shows the exact euro amount, the exchange rate used, and the dollar amount charged.
Where you'll see it
A separate line called "EU import duty" on the order form (once an EU shipping address is entered), the order details page and your invoice. Orders to non-EU countries don't show this line.
Changing the shipping address
Address changed from an EU country to a non-EU country: the duty no longer applies — it's refunded and the line removed. Address changed to an EU country: the duty is added.
Official source
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382 of 11 February 2026 (EUR-Lex) — removes the duty relief for low-value parcels, in force from July 1, 2026.
2. EU customs handling fee: $2.50 per order (from November 1, 2026)
From November 1, 2026, EU customs charges a handling fee on every e-commerce parcel entering the EU. We charge it as one flat $2.50 per order on every order shipped to the EU:
Orders up to €150: €3 per product type duty + $2.50.
Orders over €150: $2.50 only.
How it works:
One fee per order — not per item and not per product type.
Orders placed from November 1, 2026, 00:00 CET. Orders placed before that don't pay it, even if they ship later.
Charged in US dollars — always $2.50, no exchange-rate changes.
Examples (orders placed from November 1):
Order | EU import duty | Handling fee |
2× Fashion Hoodie to France (under €150) | €3 | $2.50 |
4 hoodies + 2 t-shirts to Germany (under €150) | €6 | $2.50 |
Order worth over €150 to Italy | — | $2.50 |
Order to the UK, Switzerland or the US | — | — |
Where you'll see it
A separate line called "EU Customs Handling Fee" on the order form, the order details page and your invoice.
Changing the address and refunds
Address changed from an EU country to a non-EU country before shipment: the fee is removed and refunded.
Address changed to an EU country: the fee is added.
Once the parcel clears customs, the fee is non-refundable — including returns and parcels lost after clearance.
Customer email required
From November 1, 2026, EU customs also requires the recipient's email address on every parcel. We pass it to the factory with the order so the parcel can clear customs.
EU orders without a customer email are put on hold until an email is added.
To avoid delays, make sure your store sends the customer's email with every order.
More information
For background on the EU customs changes, see the European Commission's EU Customs Reform page (Taxation and Customs Union).
Who pays, and how it works
You pay the EU import duty and the handling fee to Subliminator as part of the order. We pass them on to the fulfilment and shipping partner, who clears them with customs. Your customer pays nothing extra at delivery — no surprise fees, no parcels held at the border.
Frequently asked questions
Does my customer have to pay anything at delivery?
No. We handle both charges up front so the parcel clears customs without your buyer being charged.
Is this the same as VAT?
No. VAT is unchanged and applies as it always has. The import duty and the handling fee are separate customs charges.
Does the handling fee replace the import duty?
No. From November 1, 2026, orders up to €150 pay both (€3 per product type + $2.50). Orders over €150 pay only the $2.50 handling fee.
Does buying more items cost more?
Import duty: €3 per product type, not per item — 5 of the same product is still one €3 charge. Handling fee: always $2.50 per order, however many items it holds.
Why is my EU order on hold?
From November 1, 2026, EU orders need the customer's email address. If it's missing, the order waits until an email is added.
Where can I read the official EU rules?
Import duty: Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382. EU customs changes in general: European Commission — EU Customs Reform.
This article reflects the EU customs rules effective July 1, 2026, including Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382, and the EU customs changes effective November 1, 2026.
If you have questions about EU charges or how they apply to your order, please contact our Support Team at [email protected].