EUROPEAN UNIONShipping from the UK to EU customers
Check customs duty, VAT, product data and packaging requirements before sending an online order from the UK to the EU. Follow the linked guides for product scope, dates and official sources.
Before you send
- Describe each product clearly. Confirm its value, customs product code and country of origin—not just where it is sent from.
- Agree who handles import clearance and how duties, VAT and delivery charges are paid.
- Check the product and packaging requirements in the destination country.
- Send complete product-level information to your carrier—not just the parcel’s tracking number.
Duties and VAT are different checks
Confirm your VAT route separately from customs duty. IOSS is an import VAT scheme for qualifying distance sales in consignments not exceeding €150; it does not cover excise goods.
European Commission: the import One Stop Shop ↗
The charge applies to qualifying consignments. Read the scope and examples before calculating your landed cost.
In forceDo not confuse the duty already covered by the guide with the separate adopted €2 handling fee, whose collection date still awaits confirmation in the linked update.
Proposed / awaiting confirmationProduct data and paperwork
Use specific descriptions, supported origin, the correct classification and genuine values for each product. Make sure the information passes from your shop, through your shipping system, to the company completing your customs declaration.
How to write an accurate customs description →
Check which identifiers your suppliers and selling platforms provide, and how your carrier accepts them.
UpcomingCheck the product—and the destination
A tax route does not replace product-compliance checks. Check safety, labelling, traceability, packaging and any restrictions that apply to the goods you sell. Country-specific requirements may need a separate check with your importer or carrier.
Check your role, conformity documentation and the relevant national EPR arrangements. The general PPWR application date is not the start date for every phased obligation.
In forceWhat has changed?
Start with the practical briefings above. Country-specific restrictions, carrier systems and wider proposals are kept in the update browser so they do not obscure the everyday checks.
- EU-related updates for retailers →
- Specialist and carrier-system updates →
- Wider EU trade news and proposals →
Each briefing retains its original publication date, last review and official sources. Check that the product, country and effective date apply to your order.