New 3€ Duty on Non-EU Parcels to Germany from July 2026

Introduction

If you regularly order products from online stores based outside the European Union — whether from the UK, the US, China or anywhere else — your shopping is about to get a little more expensive. Starting July 1, 2026, all e-commerce parcels sent from non-EU countries to Germany will be subject to a new temporary duty of three euros per package. For expats who shop internationally — whether for familiar products from home or to find better prices on global platforms — this is a small but concrete change worth understanding before it hits your next order.

What Exactly Is This New Duty?

The new three-euro charge is described as a temporary customs-related duty applied specifically to e-commerce parcels arriving from outside the European Union. It is distinct from existing VAT rules and import duties that already apply to parcels above certain value thresholds.

The measure is widely seen as a response to the rapid growth in low-cost parcel volumes from platforms such as Shein, Temu and similar Asian-based e-commerce sites, which have placed significant pressure on European postal and customs infrastructure. The sheer volume of packages has created processing bottlenecks and raised concerns among European retailers about fair competition.

The three-euro charge is applied per parcel, not per item or per order value, which means it affects a single small package and a large multi-item box equally.

Who Is Affected?

This duty will apply to anyone in Germany receiving a parcel sent from a country outside the EU. That includes:

• Expats ordering products from their home country, whether that is the UK, the US, India, Brazil or any non-EU nation.
• Shoppers using platforms like Shein, Temu, AliExpress or Amazon US, where goods are shipped directly from outside the EU.
• People receiving gifts or personal parcels from family abroad, although the exact scope for personal non-commercial parcels may depend on implementation details — check with the Zoll (German Customs) website at zoll.de for the latest clarification.
• Small business owners or freelancers who import materials or goods from non-EU suppliers for professional use.

It is worth noting that parcels arriving from within the EU — including from Germany's direct neighbours such as Poland, France or the Netherlands — are not affected.

How Much Will It Actually Cost You?

Three euros per parcel may sound modest, but it adds up quickly for frequent international shoppers. Some practical examples:

• If you order four parcels per month from a non-EU platform, that is an additional €12 per month, or €144 per year.
• If you order seasonal gifts from family in a non-EU country — say, five packages around the holidays — that is an extra €15 on top of existing shipping costs.
• For small-value orders where the goods themselves cost five or six euros, a three-euro duty represents a 50% price increase in additional fees.

The measure is described as temporary, though no specific end date has been publicly confirmed at the time of writing. Shoppers should monitor updates from the Zoll and the European Commission for any changes to the timeline or scope.

What About Existing VAT and Customs Rules?

This new duty adds to — rather than replaces — the existing framework for importing goods into Germany:

• Since July 2021, VAT has applied to all parcels arriving from outside the EU, regardless of value. The previous €22 VAT exemption was abolished.
• Customs duties still apply to goods above €150 in value, at rates that vary by product category.
• The new €3 duty sits on top of these existing charges.

This means a parcel from outside the EU worth, say, €80 in goods will now attract German VAT plus the new €3 parcel duty. A parcel worth €200 will additionally face standard customs tariffs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date breakdown of what you will owe on a specific import, use the official Zoll calculator at zoll.de.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to parcels from the UK?

Yes. Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is treated as a non-EU country for customs purposes. Parcels sent from the UK to Germany already attract VAT and, where applicable, customs duties. The new three-euro duty will apply to UK parcels from July 1, 2026, just as it will to parcels from any other non-EU country. This is particularly relevant for British expats in Germany who order from UK-based retailers.

Will online platforms automatically add the €3 charge at checkout?

This depends on the platform and how the duty is implemented and collected. In some cases, the charge may be added by the courier or customs authority upon arrival in Germany, billed separately to the recipient. In other cases, larger platforms may absorb or display it at checkout. Until the system is fully operational, it is advisable to budget for the additional charge on any non-EU order rather than assuming the platform will handle it transparently.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The new €3 duty on non-EU parcels is a small change with a potentially noticeable cumulative effect for expats who shop internationally. If you regularly order from outside the EU, it is worth reviewing your shopping habits before July 1, 2026 — consolidating orders into fewer, larger parcels where possible could help reduce the impact. For gifts and personal parcels from abroad, it is worth informing family and friends so they are not surprised by delivery surcharges.

For the most current rules on customs and import costs, visit the official German customs authority website at zoll.de.

Source: iamexpat