New EU Customs Duty of €3 Per Item on Non-EU Online Orders Starts July 1
New EU customs rules, effective July 1, will impose a €3 duty per item on online purchases under €150 from outside the EU. This impacts sites like Temu and Shein, increasing costs for consumers and aiming to level the playing field for European businesses.
From July 1, new EU customs rules will introduce a €3 customs duty per item on online goods worth €150 or less, purchased from outside the European Union, including Great Britain. This change will affect low-cost purchases from sites like Temu, Shein, AliExpress, and some Amazon Marketplace sellers, making them more expensive as many previously avoided customs duties.
The charge applies per distinct item, not per parcel. For instance, a package with a notebook, pen, and keyring incurs €9, while two identical T-shirts incur €3. This duty will also be included in VAT calculations, further increasing costs. Revenue advises consumers to check shipping origins and retailer terms to avoid unexpected bills, as some seemingly European sites dispatch from non-EU countries.
Payment methods for the charge will vary; some retailers will collect it at checkout, while others may leave it for An Post or courier companies to collect upon delivery. Returns for items where customers simply change their mind will not include a refund of the €3 customs duty; refunds are only issued if goods are faulty. VAT refunds depend on the retailer's policy.
These changes aim to create a fairer trading environment for European businesses, addressing concerns that low-value imports from outside the bloc had an advantage over domestic retailers. Goods already within Ireland or the EU are exempt from this new customs duty.