Guides: the EU's new import rules, without the myths

What actually changed on 1 July 2026, what the press keeps getting wrong, and what arrives at your door in each country — each guide sticks to the regulation text and cites its sources.

• EU parcel duty: per HS6 tariff line, not per parcel

  The EU's new low-value parcel duty is charged per distinct HS6 tariff line, not per parcel. One box with three product types pays it three times.

• Without IOSS, cheap parcels pay the standard EU tariff

  Parcels from sellers without IOSS skip the flat duty and pay the standard EU tariff instead — plus import VAT on goods, shipping and duty, plus carrier fees.

• The EU's flat parcel duty is not the handling fee

  The flat customs duty in force since 1 July 2026 is not the EU's proposed handling fee. One is law, the other is a proposal expected in autumn 2026.

• The flat EU parcel duty ends in 2028 — what comes next

  The EU's flat parcel duty is transitional and ends July 1, 2028. Full per-product tariffs take over — expect low-value import costs to rise, not vanish.

• Orders over €150: the 2026 reform changed nothing

  Consignments above €150 were never covered by de minimis, so the July 2026 reform changed nothing for them. Here is how they are actually taxed.

• What changed for EU parcel imports on 1 July 2026

  On 1 July 2026 the EU ended its de minimis customs exemption. What Regulation (EU) 2026/382 changed, who pays what now, and what is still to come.

• Import VAT and carrier fees in Germany (Zollgebühren)

  German import VAT is 19%, and Deutsche Post or DHL adds its own fee before your parcel clears Zoll. What lands on your doorstep bill in Germany.

• Import VAT and carrier fees in France: what La Poste bills

  France applies 20% import VAT and La Poste usually collects its charges before delivery. How Colissimo and Chronopost bill customs on your order.

• Import VAT and carrier fees in Spain: Correos and aduanas

  Spanish import VAT is 21% and non-IOSS parcels have a reputation for slow customs clearance. What Correos charges and how to stay on the fast path.

• Import VAT and courier fees in Italy: what Dogane collects

  Italy charges 22% import VAT and its customs agency checks declared values closely. What Poste Italiane and couriers add before your parcel arrives.

• Inklaringskosten and import VAT in the Netherlands

  Dutch import VAT is 21% and PostNL charges inklaringskosten on parcels where tax was not prepaid. What arriving imports really cost in the Netherlands.

• Import VAT and parcel fees in Lithuania (LP EXPRESS)

  Lithuania charges 21% import VAT, and Lietuvos paštas often asks you to declare parcels in its self-service portal. What imports cost at your door.