EU Customs Policy Update (Effective November 1, 2026)
Dear Customer,
The European Union is introducing changes to the handling of low-value e-commerce imports. These changes may affect orders shipped to EU countries from November 1, 2026.
Please read the information below to understand the potential charges, how they differ from VAT, and what you may need to do if your parcel requires additional payment.
Important Notice
A temporary €3 customs duty for eligible low-value imports began on July 1, 2026. A separate €2 import handling fee is expected to apply from November 1, 2026, under the applicable rules.
Customs duty, the import handling fee, and VAT are separate charges. Whether you need to pay them directly depends on the products in your order, the applicable customs rules, and the shipping arrangements.
What Has Changed?
The table below summarizes the key differences before and from November 1, 2026.
| Item | Before November 1, 2026 | From November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Customs Duty | A temporary €3 customs duty may apply to eligible low-value imports under the rules effective from July 1, 2026. | The temporary €3 customs duty continues to apply where eligible. Its calculation may depend on the applicable customs tariff classification categories in the shipment. |
| Import Handling Fee | The new EU import handling fee has not yet taken effect. | A €2 import handling fee is expected to apply to eligible e-commerce imports under the applicable rules. |
| VAT | Value Added Tax may apply according to the destination country's rules and the shipping arrangement. | VAT remains separate from customs duty and the import handling fee. Paying VAT does not automatically cover either of these other charges. |
| Possible Customer Charges | Customers may need to pay applicable VAT and customs duty if these charges have not already been collected or covered. | Customers may need to pay applicable VAT, customs duty, and the €2 import handling fee, depending on the shipment and applicable rules. |
Please note: Customs duty, the import handling fee, and VAT are three separate charges. The actual charges depend on the applicable rules, product classification, destination country, and shipping arrangements.
What Is the Temporary €3 Customs Duty?
From July 1, 2026, a temporary €3 customs duty may apply to eligible low-value e-commerce imports entering the EU.
The duty is based on the applicable customs tariff classification categories, rather than simply being charged once for every individual item or automatically once for every parcel.
If an order contains several products that fall under different customs tariff classifications, the calculation may differ from an order containing products covered by the same classification. The final treatment is determined by the applicable customs rules.
Illustrative Examples
Example 1: Products Under One Tariff Classification
If several products fall under the same applicable customs tariff classification, the temporary duty may be calculated using one classification category rather than charging €3 separately for each individual item.
Example 2: Products Under Two Tariff Classifications
If goods in a shipment are assessed under two applicable customs tariff classification categories, the illustrative temporary duty could be €6, if the relevant rules apply €3 to each category.
Important: These examples are simplified illustrations, not a guarantee of the final customs assessment. The number of individual products does not, by itself, determine the number of duty charges. Customs authorities apply the relevant classification and import rules.
What Is the €2 Import Handling Fee?
The import handling fee is a separate charge associated with processing eligible e-commerce imports into the EU. It is distinct from the temporary customs duty and from VAT.
From November 1, 2026, a €2 import handling fee is expected to apply to eligible imports under the applicable arrangements. The exact calculation and collection method depend on the final rules and the relevant import or shipping process.
If a parcel is subject to the fee and the charge has not already been collected, the recipient may be asked to pay it before delivery or release of the parcel.
Customs Duty and Handling Fee Are Not VAT
It is important to distinguish between these three types of charges:
- VAT (Value Added Tax): Tax charged according to the applicable destination-country tax rules.
- Customs Duty: A duty assessed on imported goods under the applicable customs rules, including the temporary €3 duty where eligible.
- Import Handling Fee: A separate fee associated with handling eligible imports under the applicable rules.
Paying VAT does not automatically mean that customs duty or an import handling fee has also been paid. Depending on the order and shipping arrangements, these charges may be collected separately.
Which EU Countries May Be Affected?
The changes concern eligible imports entering the European Union. The EU has 27 member states:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
The actual treatment of a shipment depends on the applicable destination and import rules. European countries that are not EU member states may have different customs arrangements.
Why Might Charges Differ Between Orders?
The amount requested by a carrier or customs authority may differ between orders for several reasons:
- The type and customs classification of the products.
- The number of applicable tariff classification categories.
- The destination country and its applicable import procedures.
- Whether VAT or other charges have already been collected.
- The shipping service and the charges included in that service.
- Any applicable carrier or customs processing charges.
For this reason, two orders with similar prices may not necessarily receive the same import charge.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Customs Payment Request?
- Check the notification. Review the message from the carrier or customs authority and confirm the tracking number and requested amount.
- Check the charge details. Where possible, identify whether the request concerns VAT, customs duty, an import handling fee, or a carrier service charge.
- Keep your order details ready. Save your order confirmation, tracking number, and payment request.
- Contact us if you are unsure. Send Dragon Tea House Support your order number, tracking number, and a copy or screenshot of the payment request.
If you believe a charge has been applied incorrectly, please contact the relevant carrier or customs authority for a breakdown, and contact us if you need help reviewing your order details.
Can Combining Orders Reduce Import Charges?
Combining purchases does not guarantee lower customs duty, handling fees, or total import costs.
The calculation may depend on the applicable customs classifications, the way goods are declared, and the relevant import rules. Combining items may also affect the way a shipment is processed.
Please do not combine or split orders solely on the assumption that doing so will reduce customs charges. The outcome depends on the applicable rules and shipping arrangements.
How Can Dragon Tea House Help?
We understand that changes to import procedures can be confusing. Our support team can help you review your order and shipping information if you receive a customs or carrier payment request.
When contacting us, please include:
- Your Dragon Tea House order number.
- Your parcel tracking number.
- The destination country.
- A copy or screenshot of the payment request, including the charge breakdown if available.
We will review the information available to us and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Contact our support team at admin@dragonteahouse.biz .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the €3 customs duty apply to every item?
Not necessarily. The temporary duty is subject to the applicable eligibility and customs classification rules. It is not automatically charged separately for every individual item.
2. Does the €3 duty apply to every parcel?
Not necessarily. Whether the duty applies and how it is calculated depend on the applicable rules and the goods in the shipment.
3. Is the €2 import handling fee the same as VAT?
No. VAT, customs duty, and the import handling fee are separate charges. Paying one does not automatically cover the others.
4. Will I need to pay charges when my parcel arrives?
This depends on the shipping arrangement and whether the applicable charges have already been collected. The carrier or customs authority may contact you if payment is required.
5. Can Dragon Tea House guarantee the exact amount of customs charges?
The final assessment is determined by the applicable customs rules and the relevant authorities or service providers. We can help you review the order and shipping information available to us.
6. What if I think I have been charged incorrectly?
Please contact us at admin@dragonteahouse.biz and include your order number, tracking number, and the payment request. We will review the information and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Thank You for Your Understanding
We appreciate your continued support of Dragon Tea House. We will continue to provide shipping information and customer support to help make your shopping experience as clear and convenient as possible.
Customs regulations and carrier procedures may change. The information on this page is intended as general guidance and does not replace the official requirements of customs authorities or the terms of the relevant shipping service.
If you have questions about an order, please contact us at admin@dragonteahouse.biz .
Best regards,
Dragon Tea House Support Team