# 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.
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.
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.
If you purchase products from Turkish online stores and ship them to an EU country, you may encounter:
Shipments may be subject to:
* Import VAT
* Customs duties or low-value import charges
* Customs clearance fees
* Postal or carrier handling fees
Customs authorities may require additional information before releasing imported goods. Accurate product descriptions and declared values are increasingly important.
Shipping providers and online sellers are expected to provide clearer information regarding taxes and duties before goods are shipped.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite changes to EU import regulations, Türkiye remains one of the most attractive shopping destinations for international consumers.
With Take&Ship, customers can:
Combine purchases from multiple Turkish stores into a single shipment.
Save money by shipping multiple orders together.
Remove unnecessary packaging and reduce parcel size and weight.
Shop from Turkish fashion, cosmetics, home décor, electronics, and specialty retailers that may not offer international shipping.
Receive reliable shipping options to most EU countries and worldwide destinations.
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.
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.
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