According to the informal agreement, there will be a new handling fee for each item entering the EU from non-EU countries and sent directly to EU consumers, to cover the extra cost of handling an ever-increasing number of individual parcels. This will be paid by the same entity responsible for paying other customs charges for the same parcel, to avoid shifting the cost to consumers.

The Commission will establish the level of the fee and reassess it every two years. Member states will start collecting it as soon as the necessary information technology (IT) system becomes operational, and in any case no later than 1 November 2026.

Platform responsibility

Under the new rules, sellers and platforms that facilitate distance sales of goods from non-EU countries directly to EU customers will be treated as importers. This will oblige them to provide customs authorities with all the necessary data, pay or guarantee any charges, and make sure that the goods comply with EU laws. These…