What carriers require for EU shipments
Since July 1, 2026, every parcel to an EU consumer needs more data per item. From October 26, 2026, carriers check that each item also carries product identifiers (PIDs), or the parcel can be held at customs.
What changed?
The EU ended duty-free entry for parcels worth €150 or less. Customs now checks each item in the parcel, so carriers need detailed data for every line on the commercial invoice (the customs document that lists what is in the parcel). Carriers pass this data to EU customs. If it is missing or vague, the parcel can be delayed, returned, or charged extra fees.
How does it work?
- You send the shipment with full data for each item, including its product identifiers.
- The carrier sends that data to EU customs.
- Customs checks each line and charges the €3 duty per line where it applies.
- The parcel clears and goes out for delivery.
Which rules apply to your shipment?
| Consumer sale, €150 or less | Business sale, or over €150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Product identifiers | Checked by carriers from October 26, 2026. | Not required. |
| Customs duty | €3 for each line on the declaration (July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028), with or without IOSS. | Normal duty rates for the product. |
| Item details | Description, HS code, value, and country of origin for every item. | Description, HS code, value, and country of origin for every item. |
The €3 is charged per line, not per unit. Five identical shirts on one line cost €3. A shirt and a watch on two lines cost €6.
What data do carriers ask for?
- Merchant product identifier: your own code for the item, such as your SKU or listing ID. Always required.
- Manufacturer product identifier: the maker's own code, such as a model, part, or style number. Always required.
- Standardized product identifier: a barcode number such as a GTIN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN. Required when the item has one. If it has none, carriers ask you to enter "No."
- A clear description of each item. Words like "gift," "parts," or "accessories" are not enough.
- The HS code (the customs tariff number for the product), value, and country of origin of each item.
- Whether the sale is to a business or a consumer. A tax ID or VAT number for the recipient usually marks the parcel as a business sale.
- The recipient's email and phone number, so the carrier can reach the buyer about clearance.
- IOSS details, if you use IOSS: the IOSS number, and the IOSS holder's name and address when the carrier asks for them.
Who it applies to
- Anyone shipping goods from outside the EU to a buyer in the EU.
- Product identifiers apply to consumer sales where the parcel's goods are worth €150 or less.
- Every item line needs its own identifiers. Each color or size you list separately needs its own.
What you need to do
Business owner
- Add the three product identifiers, an HS code, a clear description, and the country of origin to every product you sell into the EU.
- Decide who pays the €3 duty: you (duties paid) or your buyer (at delivery).
- If you use IOSS, keep your IOSS number and holder details ready for your carrier.
Person shipping
- Fill in the product identifiers for every item line before you ship.
- Leave the company name and tax ID off a consumer's address.
- For the step-by-step instructions, see the how-to article under Related articles.
Good to know
- Carriers start checking product identifiers on October 26, 2026, a few days before EU customs requires them on November 1, 2026. Plan for October 26.
- Some carriers accept an exemption for certain goods, such as handmade items, antiques, or fresh farm goods. Check your carrier's guidance before you rely on one.
- Putting identifiers only on a printed invoice is not enough when your shipping system can send them electronically.
- With IOSS, the IOSS holder is the customs declarant. Some carriers need a power of attorney from you to clear IOSS parcels.
- The EU has proposed an extra handling fee for low-value parcels. The amount and start date are not final.
Related articles
- What is IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop)?
- How to ship to the EU with product identifiers
Learn more
These links go to each organization's own site.
European Union
- European Commission: Register for the One Stop Shop, including IOSS
- European Commission: Guide to the VAT One Stop Shop (PDF)
- European Commission: The EUR 3 temporary customs duty guidance (PDF)
UPS
- UPS: Adapting to EU De Minimis Changes (updated October 6, 2026; the Ship API and WorldShip product identifier guides are under "Prepare for PID requirements")
FedEx
- FedEx: EU VAT, a guide to using your IOSS number (PDF)
- FedEx: US tariffs impact, including EU De Minimis Changes for US Shippers
- FedEx: PID Requirements, October 2026 (PDF)
- FedEx: EU De Minimis Customer Guide (PDF)
- FedEx: EU de minimis one-page summary (PDF)
DHL