Fruugo Update on EU Tax and Duty Changes for Low Value Consignments

Why It Matters

The new fees increase landed costs for low‑value imports, directly affecting margins and price competitiveness for EU‑focused e‑commerce sellers.

Key Takeaways

• EU removes €150 low‑value parcel threshold by 2028
• Italy and Romania levy handling fees from Jan 2026
• €3 fixed customs duty starts July 2026 for low‑value parcels
• Fruugo adds fees to buyer price; retailers bear return costs
• Pricing reviews required to stay competitive across EU markets

Pulse Analysis

The European Union is overhauling its customs regime for low‑value consignments, a move driven by the surge in sub‑€150 parcels that have evaded detailed checks. While the €150 exemption is slated for removal in 2028, the bloc has introduced two interim measures: a fixed handling fee that may appear as early as November 2026 and a €3 fixed customs duty effective from July 2026. These changes aim to close revenue gaps and simplify administration, but they also add predictable cost layers for sellers shipping from outside the EU.

Italy and Romania have already enacted national handling fees, with Italy charging €2 per parcel and Romania 25 lei per parcel starting 1 January 2026. The fees are applied per parcel rather than per HS line, creating a patchwork of calculations across the Union. Fruugo’s policy obliges retailers to absorb these charges on returns and to reflect them in the basket price, meaning that price‑sensitive shoppers will see higher checkout totals. Because refunds are not offered for the fees, sellers must factor non‑refundable costs into their margin models.

For marketplace sellers, the immediate priority is a comprehensive pricing audit that incorporates the upcoming handling fees and the €3 duty. Automated price‑adjustment tools can help maintain competitiveness while preserving margins. Equally important is aligning logistics partners on fee payment responsibilities to avoid compliance breaches that could trigger account suspensions. Monitoring the EU‑wide fee rollout will be crucial; once the uniform handling charge is in place, the current country‑specific complexities will dissolve, offering a more predictable cost structure for cross‑border trade.