Change from July 1: Customs Exemption for Products up to 150 Euros to be Lifted in the EU

The customs duty exemption for products valued up to 150 euros ordered online from non-EU countries will be lifted as of July 1 across the European Union.According to an announcement by the German Customs Administration, from July 1, a fixed customs duty of 3 euros per different product category in the package will be applied to shipments valued up to 150 euros sent to EU consumers via distance sales from third countries.The EU aims to prevent unfair competition against sellers within the union due to the customs exemption and to protect the internal market. In exceptional cases, standard customs tariff rates will continue to apply.Under the new regulation, a tax of 3 euros will be charged per different product category in the cargo package. For example, if the package contains only 4 pairs of socks, it will be considered a single category and 3 euros will be paid. However, if the package also contains toys and a charger, the tax will increase to 9 euros due to the 3 different categories.All products that enter customs after July 1 will be subject to the new rule, regardless of whether they were ordered before July 1. The existing 19% and 7% import VAT application will continue unchanged.There will be no change in customs procedures for consumers. Carrier companies will continue to pay customs duties in advance and collect them from the recipient at the time of delivery.