EU: New Parcel Duties
Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union will abolish the existing duty exemption for goods valued up to €150. Instead, a fixed customs duty of €3 per item category will be introduced for all low-value shipments (up to €150) entering the EU from non-EU countries.
This change will significantly impact:
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the transportation of personal belongings and household goods during relocation (especially smaller or additional shipments)
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e-commerce shipments, which are often used for transporting smaller items
In many EU countries (including Romania, where a national logistics fee of approximately €5 has already been introduced as of January 2026), additional handling charges may apply. Transport and moving companies are expected to pass on increased administrative and customs costs to clients.
Practical recommendations:
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where possible, plan shipments before July 2026 to avoid new duties
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factor in longer customs clearance times and increased overall transportation costs after mid-2026
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coordinate in advance with your relocation consultant to optimize packing, documentation, and routing