The new customs duty of 3 euros per product category is added to VAT and can multiply the costs of low-value orders sent from outside the European Union.
From this Wednesday, July 1, 2026, low-value online purchases made in stores outside the European Union will have to pay customs duties. Orders up to 150 euros no longer benefit from the exemption that for years made purchases on platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress or Amazon UK cheaper.
The new rule applies to goods purchased by individuals in stores or platforms located outside the European Union, whenever the products are sent from non-EU countries. If the product comes from a warehouse within the EU, the change does not apply.
The new regime creates a simplified customs duty of 3 euros per type of product, not per order. In other words, a purchase of three identical t-shirts pays 3 reais. But an order with a t-shirt and a pair of shoes costs 6 euros, as it includes two different types of product.
According to , the type of product is defined based on customs classification, through the Harmonized Code. The quantity of equal items or the value of each item, as long as the order does not exceed 150 euros, does not change the amount to be paid for each type of product.
In addition to VAT, which was already charged on imports, these customs duties are now added. VAT is levied on the value of the merchandise, shipping costs, insurance, if any, and also on applicable customs duties.
There may also be customs clearance costs when VAT and customs duties are not paid at the time of purchase. CTT warns that, if these amounts are not paid at checkout, the consumer may have to pay them when the order arrives in Portugal.
The measure was taken by the Council of the European Union to meet the growth in small e-commerce orders coming from outside the bloc. Until now, products worth less than 150 euros were exempt from customs duties.
Brussels considers that this regime created unfair competition for European companies, facilitated fraud situations and made it difficult to control goods entering the single market, including with regard to product safety.
According to , the European Union recorded 5.8 billion e-commerce orders below 150 euros in 2025, compared to 1.4 billion in 2022. The new charge is temporary and should be in force until July 1, 2028, when it should be replaced by normal customs duties, as part of the reform of European customs.
The platforms will continue to sell to the European Union, but consumers will have to expect higher import costs when orders are shipped from third countries.
