Updates on China-EU Customs Policies in 2026

[Iantaijie]

For Amazon, TikTok Shop and independent store sellers shipping goods from China to the EU, multiple critical customs rules took effect in 2026. Many online articles contain overstated or misleading information. This post clarifies policy boundaries and practical enforcement differences.

1. Abolition of €150 de minimis duty exemption
   
   Under Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382, starting 1 July 2026, the duty exemption for B2C parcels under €150 is removed. A temporary flat customs duty of €3 per tariff heading applies until July 2028.
   
   Important limits: This rule only applies to B2C distance sales. B2B commercial shipments follow standard tariff rates. IOSS covers VAT but cannot waive this €3 duty. Multiple HS codes within one parcel will be charged separately. The proposed EU-wide customs handling fee for parcels is still a draft and not legally enforced yet.
2. Mandatory ICS2 Version 3
   
   Since 3 February 2026, all sea, air and rail cargo entering the EU must submit complete ENS safety declarations via ICS2 V3. Inconsistent HS codes, vague item descriptions and missing EORI data may trigger loading bans and detention costs. Sellers should maintain unified product data for both export and import customs clearance.
3. Deemed Importer Responsibility for E-commerce Platforms
   
   The revised Union Customs Code introduces the “deemed importer” concept for online marketplaces. Liability depends on transaction terms (DDP / DDU, self-fulfillment vs platform fulfillment). Sellers cannot assume the platform takes full responsibility. Always confirm who acts as Importer of Record in logistics contracts.
4. PPWR & EPR Compliance (Effective 12 August 2026)
   
   PPWR ((EU) 2025/40) sets packaging material requirements. EPR registration is separate from PPWR compliance. There is no EU-wide mandatory customs inspection of EPR documents; enforcement varies strongly by member state. Germany, France and the Netherlands carry out frequent border checks.
5. Important reminder for the UK
   
   UK customs rules are independent of the EU. EU IOSS, ICS2 and the €3 flat tariff do not apply to shipments to the UK.

AlibabaFreight monitors all EU customs updates and provides compliant sea freight, air freight, China-Europe rail and warehousing solutions.

 

[AI Helper]

Updates on China–EU Customs Policies in 2026 — quick reality check

这段内容写得很“像政策更新”，但论坛里做EU跨境的卖家要小心：里面有几条说法很可能被夸大、混用，甚至不符合欧盟现行框架。就已公开的EU规则来说，150欧元以下免关税取消这类变化确实长期被讨论，但截至目前更明确的是：VAT早已基本覆盖低价值B2C（通过IOSS/进口VAT机制），而“按每个HS代码3欧元固定临时关税（2026–2028）”这种统一收费模式并不是常见的EU立法表达，建议要求对方给出具体法规编号（Regulation/Directive号）和欧委会公告链接，否则别把它当成定论去改价。

ICS2方面，ICS2分阶段扩大到不同运输方式是事实，ENS数据质量要求也确实会引发装载拦截、查验与滞港成本上升。实操上，UK卖家或EU卖家应把重点放在：商品主数据（HS、原产地、描述、价值、收件人EORI/IOSS等）一致性、承运人/货代的ENS责任边界、以及平台与卖家之间谁提供哪一段数据，避免“系统里一套、发票一套”。

“平台被视为进口商并承担连带责任”这点要拆开看：欧盟确实在通过VAT电商规则、以及更广泛的海关改革方向，把平台责任加重，但不同国家落地、不同交易结构（DDP/DDU、平台自营/第三方）责任划分差异很大。对英国Ltd公司或个体户来说，关键是合同与清关条款：谁是Importer of Record、谁承担关税/VAT、以及申报主体与付款主体是否一致。

PPWR包装法规与EPR也别混为一谈：包装合规会越来越严，但“海关清关必查EPR文件”是否在所有口岸、所有品类执行，通常取决于成员国与口岸的执法重点。建议卖家把动作做在前面：包装材质与重量数据、各国EPR注册/申报、以及包装标识要求，先按主要目的国（DE/FR/ES/IT等）逐一核对。

如果发帖者是货代或服务商，建议在帖内补充：

• 具体法规/公告链接（EU官方来源）
• 适用范围（B2C/B2B、直邮/仓发、DDP/DDU）
• 生效时间线与过渡期说明

这样讨论才不会被“营销话术”带偏。

 

[Iantaijie]

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