Important Update: Upcoming EU Customs Handling Fees for Low‑Value Shipments

As part of the ongoing EU Customs reform, the European Commission has announced plans to introduce a new EU regulatory handling fee for low‑value imports entering the European Union from non‑EU countries. This change will affect shipments valued at under €150, a category that represents a rapidly growing share of cross‑border e‑commerce.

What Is Changing?

The European Commission has proposed a €2.00 per‑item EU handling fee to help Customs Authorities manage the rising costs of customs clearance and compliance checks. The surge in low‑value parcels entering the EU has significantly increased processing demands, prompting the introduction of this standardised fee.

When Will the Fee Apply?

The EU handling fee is expected to come into effect in November 2026. However, the exact implementation date and final regulatory details are still being confirmed.

Rapid Despatch will continue to monitor updates closely and share further information as soon as it becomes available.

National Handling Fees Introduced by Individual EU Member States

Alongside the EU‑wide proposal, several EU countries are introducing their own national handling fees for low‑value goods (under €150). These charges are designed to cover local customs processing costs during the transition to the new EU system.

Current National Handling Fee Announcements

• France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are preparing to introduce national handling fees.

• Italy will apply a €2.00 per‑shipment fee from 1 January 2026.

• Romania will introduce a 25 RON fee (approximately €5.00) per shipment from 1 January 2026.

These national fees will be charged to the payer of duties and taxes for the shipment.

How Rapid Despatch Is Supporting Customers

We understand that changes to customs regulations can impact your logistics planning and cost forecasting. Our team is actively tracking all EU customs developments to ensure our customers receive clear, timely updates.

As soon as the EU finalises the regulatory framework, Rapid Despatch will provide detailed guidance to help you prepare for the transition.

If you have questions about international shipping, customs processes, or how these changes may affect your business, our team is here to help.