New EU Import Rules for Shipments
New EU Import Rules for Shipments Under €150 | Take&Ship DAP Delivery Guide
# New EU Import Rules for Low-Value Shipments: What EU Customers Need to Know in 2026
New EU Import Regulations for Shipments Under €150
The European Union has introduced significant changes to the importation of low-value goods from countries outside the EU. These new regulations affect online shoppers purchasing products from international retailers, including those shopping from Türkiye and using parcel forwarding services such as Take&Ship.
If you frequently order products from Turkish brands and have them delivered to an EU country, understanding these new rules will help you avoid unexpected costs and delivery delays.
What Has Changed?
For many years, low-value shipments entering the European Union benefited from customs duty exemptions. However, the EU is implementing new measures to strengthen customs controls, improve tax collection, and create a more level playing field for European businesses.
As part of the EU Customs Reform Package, low-value imports from non-EU countries are subject to stricter customs procedures and additional import charges.
These changes apply to goods shipped from Türkiye and other non-EU countries to customers residing in EU member states.
Does VAT Still Apply?
Yes.
Import VAT continues to apply to goods imported into the European Union. The VAT rate depends on the destination country and is typically charged based on the value of the goods, shipping costs, and any applicable customs charges.
Examples of standard VAT rates include:
* Germany: 19%
* France: 20%
* Italy: 22%
* Spain: 21%
* Netherlands: 21%
* Belgium: 21%
Customers should always expect VAT to be payable when importing goods from outside the EU.
How Do These Rules Affect Online Shoppers?
If you purchase products from Turkish online stores and ship them to an EU country, you may encounter:
Additional Import Charges
Shipments may be subject to:
* Import VAT
* Customs duties or low-value import charges
* Customs clearance fees
* Postal or carrier handling fees
Longer Customs Processing
Customs authorities may require additional information before releasing imported goods. Accurate product descriptions and declared values are increasingly important.
Increased Transparency Requirements
Shipping providers and online sellers are expected to provide clearer information regarding taxes and duties before goods are shipped.
Take&Ship Delivery Terms: Delivered at Place (DAP)
Take&Ship operates under the international shipping term known as Delivered at Place (DAP).
Under DAP terms:
* Take&Ship arranges transportation from Türkiye to the destination country.
* The shipment is delivered to the recipient’s address.
* Import duties, taxes, customs fees, and clearance charges are NOT included in the shipping cost paid to Take&Ship.
* The recipient is responsible for paying all applicable import charges before the shipment can be released by customs or delivered by the local carrier.
What Does DAP Mean for EU Customers?
When your parcel arrives in the European Union, local customs authorities may assess:
* Import VAT
* Customs duties
* Low-value import charges
* Customs processing fees
* Postal handling charges
These fees are determined by the destination country’s customs authority and are collected directly from the recipient.
Take&Ship does not control these charges and cannot estimate the exact amount that may be assessed by customs.
Example
Imagine you purchase €100 worth of products from Turkish stores and ship them to Germany using Take&Ship.
Upon arrival, German customs may assess:
* German VAT
* Applicable customs charges
* Carrier or postal handling fees
Before final delivery, the recipient may be required to pay these charges to the local customs authority or delivery carrier.
Why Accurate Customs Declarations Matter
To ensure smooth customs clearance, customers should:
* Declare the correct value of purchased goods.
* Provide accurate product descriptions.
* Avoid undervaluing shipments.
* Ensure all required documentation is available.
Incorrect declarations can lead to delays, additional inspections, penalties, or shipment returns.
Why Shop from Türkiye with Take&Ship?
Despite changes to EU import regulations, Türkiye remains one of the most attractive shopping destinations for international consumers.
With Take&Ship, customers can:
Consolidate Multiple Purchases
Combine purchases from multiple Turkish stores into a single shipment.
Reduce Shipping Costs
Save money by shipping multiple orders together.
Repack Services
Remove unnecessary packaging and reduce parcel size and weight.
Access Thousands of Turkish Brands
Shop from Turkish fashion, cosmetics, home décor, electronics, and specialty retailers that may not offer international shipping.
Secure International Delivery
Receive reliable shipping options to most EU countries and worldwide destinations.
Important Notice
All international shipments handled by Take&Ship are sent under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms unless otherwise stated.
The recipient is solely responsible for:
* Import VAT
* Customs duties
* Customs clearance fees
* Postal handling charges
* Any other government-imposed import taxes or fees
Failure to pay these charges may result in delays, storage fees, return shipping costs, or shipment abandonment.
Conclusion
The European Union’s new import regulations for low-value shipments are changing how international e-commerce deliveries are processed. While shoppers may face additional import charges, parcel forwarding services such as Take&Ship continue to provide an affordable and convenient way to access Turkish brands and products.
Before placing an order, customers should familiarize themselves with their country’s import regulations and be prepared to pay any applicable duties and taxes upon arrival.
By understanding the DAP shipping model and the new EU customs requirements, customers can enjoy a smoother international shopping experience and avoid unexpected surprises during delivery.
📦 Ready to Start Shopping?
Explore your favorite Turkish stores and let Take&Ship bring the fashion to you!
👉 Learn How It Works Ready to shop from Turkey? Start now!
Sign up at takeandship.com to get your free shipping address in Turkey. Start shopping and let us deliver the best of Turkey to your door — wherever you are!
Take&Ship Shipping Terms & Important Guidelines
What You Need to Know Before Shopping Online from Abroad
To view our current shipping rates
Serglobex E-Commerce | Logistics | FreightYour Trusted Partner for International Parcel Forwarding from Turkey