From July 1, 2026, a fixed customs duty of 3 euros per item will be applied to “small consignments” with a value of up to 150 euros, the press center of the Customs Agency announced.
The decision is part of the European Union's efforts to modernize the Customs Union and was agreed at a political level within the framework of the EU Council on Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN).
The measure is a transitional solution until the full implementation of the Customs Union reform and the launch of the EU Customs Data Hub, planned for July 1, 2028. Its aim is to more effectively manage the increasing volume of low-value consignments, characteristic of e-commerce, as well as strengthen customs supervision of distance sales.
The growing number of low-value consignments poses significant challenges for customs administrations and economic operators, including the risk of artificially lowering the value and splitting consignments to circumvent customs rules. The new measure aims to limit such practices and provide a fairer and simpler mechanism for collecting customs duties.
By supporting the introduction of the fixed customs duty, Bulgaria confirms its commitment to protecting the financial interests of the European Union, as well as non-fiscal interests related to the security and safety of consumers and legitimate businesses. The measure will also contribute to ensuring fair competition between economic operators within the EU in the conditions of dynamically developing e-commerce, the agency points out.
The fixed customs duty will be applied per item, regardless of the origin and type of goods. This means that when purchasing several items sent in one consignment, the customs duty will be charged for each individual item.
An amendment to Council Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 establishing a Community system of reliefs from customs duty is foreseen for the introduction of the measure, the Customs Agency further informed.
Days ago, the world agencies announced that the European Union will introduce a fee of 3 euros (3.52 dollars) on the import of consignments worth up to 150 euros, starting from July 1, 2026. The measure is temporary and will remain in force until 2028, when all goods imported into the EU, regardless of their value, will be subject to customs duties.