EU Starts a Temporary EUR 3 Duty for Low-Value E-Commerce Imports

From 1 July 2026, the European Union has applied a temporary EUR 3 customs duty to qualifying low-value goods imported from outside the EU through distance sales, including e-commerce orders shipped directly to consumers. The measure applies to consignments with an intrinsic value of up to EUR 150 and will apply until 1 July 2028.

The temporary duty is calculated by customs item based on tariff classification, rather than by the number of identical units in a parcel. In general, the seller, importer, or its customs representative is responsible for declaring and paying the duty. The EU introduced the measure as part of its customs reform, alongside stronger attention to product safety, compliance, and fair competition in e-commerce.

For aquatic product brands, retailers, and online sellers, this means direct-to-consumer programs need a more accurate landed-cost review before products are listed. Swim goggles, diving masks, snorkels, swim caps, fins, and accessories sold through EU e-commerce channels should have clear product descriptions, consistent SKU information, and reliable packaging and customs data.

The new rules also put more emphasis on traceability. Product Identifiers (PIDs) can already be declared voluntarily and will become mandatory for relevant distance-sale imports from 1 November 2026. Clear product coding, model or batch records, material information, labeling, and online listing data can help support smoother customs handling and reduce late-stage questions.

This specific temporary EUR 3 measure is directed at qualifying low-value distance sales. It should not be confused with the usual customs arrangements for conventional bulk B2B imports, which continue to follow their applicable customs and tariff procedures. Buyers should confirm their sales model, importer role, and customs process before shipment.

ALLWELL supports OEM and ODM aquatic product programs with product coding, packaging review, labeling coordination, and pre-shipment documentation preparation. For EU-bound e-commerce programs, preparing product information and traceability data early can help reduce late-stage listing changes, customs questions, and delivery delays.