The European Union has introduced new customs duties, handling fees and product identifier requirements that may affect shipments entering the EU from outside the EU. These changes include a €3 customs duty on qualifying low-value consignments and, from 1 November 2026, a separate €2 handling fee and new product identifier requirements.

Since 1 July 2026, a temporary €3 customs duty per item, based on customs classification, has applied to qualifying consignments valued at up to €150. The total may exceed €3 per consignment, depending on its contents.

Since 1 November 2026, a separate €2 EU handling fee has applied per customs declaration line to distance-sale imports, regardless of value, including shipments above €150.A consignment with several declaration lines may therefore incur more than €2. Product identifier (PID) requirements also took effect on this date with an intrinsic value of up to €150. This fee is separate from the €3 customs duty.

What this means for sellers

If you ship objects from outside the EU to buyers in the EU, the new customs requirements may affect how your shipments are processed.

Depending on your shipping provider, import duties, taxes and customs handling fees may need to be collected during the import process. Some carriers may also require shipments to be sent using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). This means the seller is responsible for arranging customs clearance and paying applicable import duties, taxes and clearance charges. Check with your carrier what this involves before shipping.

To help minimise disruption, we recommend that sellers:

• check directly with their carrier before shipping to confirm which services are currently available and what customs requirements apply,
• use the customs information available for the order. If the carrier asks for additional  information or documents, check directly with the carrier what is required,
• keep the buyer informed if the shipment is delayed, rejected or otherwise affected.

Catawiki is not able to advise on the specific customs or delivery setup a seller should use, as this depends on the carrier, service and destination.

Product identifiers (PIDs)

Product identifiers became mandatory in customs data for relevant distance-sale imports from 1 November 2026. Check directly with your carrier what PID information is required for your specific shipment and destination, and provide it as requested.

• Merchant product identifier (M-PID): ask your carrier which identifier to use and whether it accepts the Catawiki Lot ID for your shipment. We cannot confirm that the Lot ID will be accepted for every shipment.
• Non-standardised manufacturer product identifier (NS-PID): if the manufacturer’s model number or product identifier is unknown or unavailable, including for antique or second-hand objects, ask your carrier what to provide. An exception code may be available, but it may not be accepted in every country.
• Standardised manufacturer product identifier (S-PID): where an identifier such as an EAN or ISBN exists, confirm with your carrier how to include it in the customs information.

Second-hand goods: provide identifiers for the original product. Being second-hand is not a general exemption. Certain antiques, art and collectors’ items may qualify for simplified treatment under specific customs classifications; ask your carrier what applies if an identifier is unavailable.

What this means for buyers

If you buy an object that is shipped from outside the EU to an EU address, import fees may apply.

Depending on the shipping method used by the seller and whether import duties have been paid in advance, you may need to pay these charges before your object can be delivered. If the charges have not been paid in advance, the carrier may contact you before delivery to arrange payment.

During the initial implementation of the new rules, deliveries may take slightly longer than usual while carriers and customs authorities adapt to the new customs procedures.

About the new legislation

The new customs rules are part of the European Union’s Customs Reform Package. The changes described above apply from 1 July and 1 November 2026.

As the implementation of the new legislation continues, the European Commission may publish further guidance. We will update this article when relevant information becomes available.

For more information, see the European Commission’s customs guidance and Dutch Customs’ information on the €2 handling fee.