Confused by the recent changes to EU shipping rules? We’ve put together this simple guide to explain the key changes, when they take effect and what they could mean for your orders. The rules can be complex, and requirements may vary depending on the shipment, so please use this as a starting point, double-check the latest official guidance and speak to the FDC team if you’re unsure about anything.
This guide summarises the EU import rule changes relevant to orders shipped into the EU from outside the EU, including the measures affecting low-value consignments.
Effective dates: 1 November 2026
Changes at a glance
| Effective date | Change | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Product identification requirements | Additional product identifiers become mandatory for relevant e-commerce import declarations. |
| 1 November 2026 | EU handling fee | A separate €2 Union handling fee is introduced for covered small parcels. |
Additional product identification information
Effective from 1 November 2026
For relevant e-commerce import declarations, additional product identifiers must be provided. These help customs authorities identify products and support traceability and compliance checks.
The required information can include:
- Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID): the product code used by the seller or online platform.
- Non-standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID): a manufacturer or supplier’s product code that does not use an internationally recognised standard.
- Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (S-PID): a manufacturer identifier based on an internationally recognised standard, where available.
These requirements apply to specified e-commerce declaration types. They should not be interpreted as a blanket requirement for every commercial import declaration.
Separate EU handling fee
Effective from 1 November 2026
A €2 Union handling fee is introduced for covered small parcels. This is separate from the €3 customs duty.
The duty and handling fee are distinct charges and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Plant Parts order requirements
From 1 November 2026, FDC is introducing a €150 minimum order value for direct-to-consumer shipments into the EU to accommodate the additional requirements.
Business customers with valid VAT and EORI registrations are unaffected by this minimum order requirement.
This is an FDC ordering policy and is separate from the EU customs duties and handling fee described above.
Further information
For official guidance on the EU measures, consult the European Commission’s EU Customs Reform guidance.
For questions about FDC’s orders shipped into the EU, contact the Final Drive Centre team before placing an order.
For FDC parts identification and sourcing, visit www.finaldrive.eu.
