Your guide to understanding EU customs charges for personal senders
Sending parcels in the EU to friends and family can be simple. Although international shipping can feel daunting, but Evri handles all the customs paperwork for you.
| Contents of shipment | Customs duty | Handling fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 item (e.g. 1 book) | €3 (1 item type) | €2 (1 item type) | €5 |
| 2 identical items (e.g. 2 identical t-shirts) | €3 (1 item type) | €2 (1 item type) | €5 |
| 2 different items (e.g. 1 book + 1 t-shirt) | €6 (2 item types) | €4 (2 item types) | €10 |
| 3 different items (e.g. a book + a t-shirt + toy) | €9 (3 item types) | €6 (3 item types) | €15 |
EU customs update effective from 1st November 2026
Starting from 1st November 2026, low-value EU shipments (under €150) will have a €2 customs handling fee in addition to the €3 standard customs duty charge.
- Standard customs duty: €3 flat charge per unique tariff line / HS code
- NEW customs handling fee: €2 per unique item / HS code
How much will customs cost for your parcel?
Sending multiple quantities of the exact same item (for example, 2 identical t-shirts) counts as one single item type, so you won't pay extra fees for duplicates.
What do you need to do when booking?
Nothing extra. When you book your delivery with Evri, we automatically collect all necessary customs information during the standard booking steps so your parcel can clear EU customs smoothly.
| Your contents | Applied customs duty |
|---|---|
| 1 item type (1 HS code) | €3 |
| 3 different item types (3 HS codes) | €9 |
| 3 of the exact same item (1 HS code) | €3 |
EU customs changes July 2026
From 1 July 2026, some changes have come in that apply to personal and non-business items entering the EU:
- €3 customs duty per item/tariff line: A €3 charge will apply to each different type of item (tariff line) for any shipments that are valued at €150 or less. The fee will depend on the number of different items declared rather than just one charge per box.
Who pays EU customs charges?
As a standard, the recipient is responsible for paying any customs charges once the parcel arrives in the destination country.
For select destinations, Evri gives you the option during booking to pay applicable duties and taxes (DDP - Deliveries Duties Paid) upfront on your recipient's behalf so they don't have to pay on delivery.
Are gifts subject to EU customs charges?
Gifts can still be subject to customs charges, however some thresholds apply:
- Under €45 - gifts valued under €45 are generally exempt from the €3 duty charge and import VAT, provided they are sent from one private individual to another for personal use
- €45 or more – gifts valued at €45 or more may be subject to standard import duties and taxes
What customs information do I need to provide?
To make sure your parcel clears customs without issues or delays, you must provide clear and accurate details about what is being sent:
- Clear description of each item
- Item value
- Quantity of each item
- Country of origin
- Appropriate HS code
What is a HS code?
A HS code is a standard code used by customs authorities to organise physical items and calculate applicable fees.
When you book an international delivery with Evri, our online tool automatically suggests matching HS codes based on the description you add. You can also search manually if you prefer.
Avoiding delays at customs
Customs delays are usually caused by incomplete details. Before confirming your booking, always double check that:
- Your recipient’s full name, address, and phone number are correct
- Your items descriptions are specific and accurate
- The value reflects the real value of the goods
- The auto-suggested HS codes match your items accurately
Inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to local customs delays, unexpected charges or returned items.
Sending a parcel to the EU with Evri
Ready to send? Here is a quick checklist before you send:
- Confirm your item is allowed for international delivery on our what you can and can’t send list
- Provide clear, descriptive item details
- Check if your package qualifies under the €45 gift exemption
- Make your recipient aware that customs charges may apply for them