Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics


Prepare now for value-based customs, says Rhenus

[ February 25, 2026   //   ]

The Rhenus Group is urging UK businesses selling goods to the EU to prepare for a shift away from a value-based customs model to one which considers the classification of the goods being shipped, creating new cost and operational considerations.

The new measures are designed to reflect the increased prevalence of e-commerce in today’s marketplace. They will also contribute towards creating a more level playing field for the so-called ‘de minimis’ threshold goods imported into the EU as individual shipments, compared with those which are imported in bulk. The new measures will also deter undervaluation of goods in order to qualify for duty waiver.

From 1 July, traders will see a flat €3 customs duty per commodity code introduced on goods entering the EU with a value of shipment €150 or less.

Rhenus says the shift is one of the most significant changes to EU customs rules in decades. An interim measure, the fee will bridge the gap until a full EU customs reform package is implemented, including the elimination of the €150 threshold and the launch of the Customs Data Hub around 2028. The interim flat rate customs duty of €3 will be levied on each item category contained in small parcels entering the EU from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2028, a period which may be extended.

Customs duties will apply even when businesses use Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) arrangements.

UK customs manager for road at Rhenus Logistics, Rob Mulligan, said those operating high-volume e-commerce businesses will be impacted the most. “This represents a key shift in how low-value parcels will be treated at the EU border. Moving from a value-based model to a fixed per-parcel duty will directly impact cost structure for many UK exporters.

“Businesses must act now to review their shipping profiles, understand the potential financial impact, and work closely with logistics partners to ensure they’re fully prepared before these changes come into force.”

Rhenus advises businesses to review current EU shipping volumes and parcel profiles taking into account weights and destination, consider how goods are classified, how the duty will be and engage logistics partners early to plan ahead.

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