EU to Eliminate Tax Exemption for Imports Below €150
The EU plans to eliminate the tax exemption policy for low-value imported goods (below €150) starting July 1, 2026. This change will significantly impact the logistics costs and customs clearance processes for cross-border e-commerce, requiring sellers to reassess pricing strategies and compliance costs.
What are the key facts?
- 1Policy change: elimination of import tax exemption below €150
- 2Effective date: July 1, 2026
- 3Impact scope: low-value cross-border imported goods
What happened?
The European Commission recently announced that it will eliminate the tax exemption policy (de minimis) for low-value imported goods below €150 starting July 1, 2026. This policy adjustment aims to strengthen the regulation of imported goods, and it is expected to directly increase customs clearance costs for cross-border e-commerce sellers and burden administrative procedures. This change requires sellers to take proactive measures to address potential cost increases and compliance risks.
What does this mean for cross-border sellers?
The policy change will directly affect the profit margins of sellers dealing in low-ticket items. Sellers need to calculate tariff costs in advance and consider optimizing their supply chain layout to comply with the new customs clearance policies. It is advisable to consider setting up overseas warehouses in the EU region to address future customs challenges.