The EU is introducing a major customs reform featuring a €2 handling fee on each low-value e-commerce shipment (parcel) imported into the EU. Scheduled for 2028, this measure is designed to address the growth in cheap e-commerce imports that often bypass duties and safety checks. 
 
The proposed fee would apply to shipments valued under €150, with the goal of ensuring fair competition for EU retailers and helping customs authorities cover the growing costs of parcelinspections. 
 
However, several EU member states are pushing to move faster: 

• France has urged the European Commission to allow implementation as early as 2026, citing pressure on domestic retailers. 

• Romania proposes a flat fee of around €5 for low-value non-EU parcels. 

• The Netherlands is exploring its own €2 handling fee per declaration line, also ahead of the EU timeline. 

These early moves show a broader concern among governments, EU retailers and regulators about the flood of small parcels entering the EU daily. While early adoption may seem fair in principle, it could unintentionally fragment the single market, redirect e-commerce volumes to other EU markets, therefore reducing economic activity in affected countries. 
 
Beyond the cost implications, the collection process itself adds a new layer of operational complexity. Depending on how the fee is implemented, it could be: 

• Collected at the point of sale, meaning marketplaces and sellers will need to include the charge in the purchase process and report it within electronic customs data (ENS/H7). 

• Collected upon arrival, requiring EU-based partners or customs brokers to update manifest data and ensure compliance before clearance. 

Therefore, it is clear that accurate data and automation will be essential to ensure these new fields and declarations are properly submitted. 
 
Whether the €2 handling charge is collected at checkout or customs entry, x7trade’s API ensures that required data is captured, validated and transmitted to EU customs systems automatically, keeping your operations compliant and future-ready. 

For freight forwarders, customs brokers and logistics operators, these developments underscore the importance of automated compliance and transparent data flows. As customs requirements evolve, companies must adapt quickly to maintain efficiency across borders and avoid costly delays. 

At x7trade, we help businesses navigate these changes through: 

• Automated ENS and H7 submissions 

• Real-time updates  

• Simplified workflows that reduce manual work and errors 

Discover how x7trade can simplify your compliance operations and prepare your business for the next wave of EU customs reform, book a demo today!