European Parliament Gives Final Approval to E-Commerce Customs Reform
The European Parliament has given its final approval to the comprehensive reform of the European Union’s customs system. The regulation increases the responsibilities of platforms in e-commerce purchases made from outside the EU, introduces a new handling fee, and moves customs controls to a centralized digital infrastructure. The reform focuses particularly on cross-border e-commerce, retail, product safety, and the growing volume of low-value parcels.
European Parliament Introduces “Importer” Responsibility for E-Commerce Platforms
Under the new system, sellers and e-commerce platforms that sell products directly to European consumers from countries outside the EU will be considered importers. Companies will be required to provide the necessary data to customs authorities, pay or guarantee the relevant taxes and fees, and ensure that products comply with EU legislation. The European Parliament regulation also stipulates that these companies must be established in the EU or represented by an authorized economic operator.
New Handling Fee to Take Effect by November 1, 2026
A new handling fee will be applied to products ordered directly from online stores outside the EU. The amount of the fee will be determined by the European Commission and reviewed every two years. Member states will begin implementation no later than November 1, 2026. A lower handling fee may be applied to e-commerce deliveries made from products brought in bulk to warehouses within the EU.
This fee is applied separately from the €150 customs duty exemption that was abolished on July 1, 2026. For low-value imports, a temporary customs duty of €3 per item is in place until July 1, 2028. The regulation brings customs practices for direct imports through e-commerce closer to those applied to traditional retail imports.
European Parliament Introduces Penalties of Up to 6 Percent for Repeated Violations
Under the system approved by the European Parliament, companies that repeatedly violate customs obligations may face penalties ranging from 1 percent to 6 percent of the total value of goods they imported into the EU during the previous 12 months. Businesses with “Trust and Check” status that consistently comply with the rules will benefit from fewer physical inspections and greater flexibility in customs payments.
Artificial Intelligence to Be Used in Customs Controls
The EU Customs Data Hub, which will be established as part of the reform, will replace at least 111 customs IT systems currently used across Europe. The system will support the early identification of risks by analyzing trade data through machine learning and artificial intelligence. Under the structure approved by the European Parliament, the centralized data system will be managed by the new EU Customs Authority, headquartered in Lille. Use of the data hub will become optional in 2031 and mandatory in 2034.
The reform’s rapporteur, Dirk Gotink, described the regulation as the most comprehensive change to the European customs system since 1968. Gotink stated that customs authorities would gain stronger tools to deal with the high volume of e-commerce parcels. In the regulation, which had previously received final approval from the Council, the European Parliament vote marked the final stage of the legislative process.