EU Eliminates the €150 Duty-Free Threshold for Low-Value Imports – What Every EU Buyer Should Know

The European Union has introduced one of the most significant EU customs reforms for cross-border imports in recent years.

Effective July 1, 2026, the long-standing €150 customs duty exemption for low-value consignments has officially been abolished across all 27 EU member states under Regulation (EU) 2026/382.

If you import stainless steel barware, Cocktail Tools, coffee & tea accessories, kitchenware or hospitality supplies from overseas, these new EU import rules may affect your procurement costs, customs clearance and supply chain planning.

Key Changes

✅ B2C Shipments

• A €3 flat customs duty applies per HS code (product category) for consignments valued at €150 or less.
• A parcel containing cocktail tools, coffee accessories and tableware will incur €9 customs duty before VAT.

✅ B2B Commercial Imports

• The €3 flat-rate system does not apply.
• Duties are calculated using the standard ad valorem tariff based on customs value and applicable tariff rates.

✅ Transition Period

• The temporary €3 flat-rate system will remain in effect from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, before the EU Customs Data Hub becomes fully operational.

✅ Additional Costs

• From November 2026, an additional customs processing fee of approximately €2 per consignment is expected.

✅ Higher Compliance Requirements
Import declarations now require more accurate customs information, including:

• HS codes
• Product identifiers
• Country of origin
• Declared customs value
• Buyer VAT/EORI information
• Manufacturer and product codes where applicable

The IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) remains available to simplify VAT collection, but does not exempt shipments from the new customs duty.

What This Means for Buyers

For businesses purchasing small mixed-product orders, the new per-category duty can noticeably increase landed costs.

For bulk B2B imports, duties continue to follow the standard tariff structure, making larger consolidated shipments more predictable and often more economical than multiple low-value parcels.

How We Support Our Customers

As an integrated manufacturer specializing in stainless steel barware, cocktail tools, coffee & tea accessories and tableware, our business is built around OEM & ODM manufacturing, bulk production and consolidated B2B exports rather than low-value direct-to-consumer shipments.

Under the new EU customs regulations, we continue to help customers build a more efficient and compliant supply chain by providing:

✔ Professional consultation on product classification, HS code determination and customs documentation to support accurate declarations.

✔ Complete export documentation, including detailed product specifications, manufacturer and product identification codes, country-of-origin information, material composition data and packaging details required for customs clearance.

✔ Factory certifications and compliance support covering materials, manufacturing processes and production standards to meet evolving EU import requirements.

✔ Flexible OEM & ODM production with the ability to consolidate multiple product lines into larger B2B shipments, helping customers optimize procurement efficiency and reduce per-unit import costs.

✔ Multiple logistics solutions, including sea freight, air freight and customized shipping plans based on delivery schedules, order volume and destination markets.

✔ Export planning and risk management, supporting customers with Incoterms selection, customs coordination and supply chain strategies tailored to their purchasing models.

Every customer's sourcing strategy is different. We work closely with buyers to develop practical solutions that improve customs compliance, streamline procurement and maintain cost-effective international shipping under the new EU import framework.

Looking Ahead

The removal of the €150 duty-free threshold marks a major change for EU cross-border e-commerce and international sourcing.

While the new rules increase costs for small B2C parcels, they also reinforce the advantages of bulk purchasing, consolidated B2B imports and working directly with an experienced manufacturing partner.

If your business imports stainless steel barware, cocktail tools, coffee & tea accessories or tableware into Europe, we'd be happy to discuss how these new regulations may affect your sourcing strategy and help you build a more efficient, compliant and cost-effective supply chain.

This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal or customs advice. Please consult your customs broker or professional advisor for guidance specific to your business.