Online shoppers in Ireland face new charges on low-cost imports from outside the European Union as the bloc introduces a €3 customs duty per item on eligible parcels, a move expected to reshape purchasing habits for millions of consumers.
From 1 July, all eCommerce goods valued at €150 or less arriving from non-EU countries will be subject to the new fee, part of the European Union’s broader Customs Reform package. The measure applies to items shipped from countries including the United Kingdom, China, the United States and other non-EU markets.
EU officials say the change is designed to create fairer competition between overseas online retailers and domestic businesses, while also improving consumer protection by ensuring imported goods meet EU safety and compliance standards.
Previously, low-value consignments under €150 were exempt from customs duties under the so-called de minimis rule. However, with billions of small parcels entering the EU annually—nearly 5.9 billion in 2025 alone—authorities argue the system has placed traditional retailers at a disadvantage and reduced oversight of imported goods.
Under the revised system, the €3 charge applies per distinct item rather than per package. This means a single parcel containing multiple products may attract multiple fees. For example, a package with a notepad, pen and keyring would incur €9 in total charges. However, identical items, such as two matching T-shirts, would be treated as one unit and charged €3.
The fee may be collected at the point of online checkout, though this depends on the retailer. If not collected in advance, charges will be applied upon arrival, with An Post handling collection on behalf of Irish Revenue.
In such cases, An Post will also apply an administration fee of €6.95 per parcel. The organisation said the charge covers customs processing, VAT collection and storage costs while parcels await clearance. It added that most customers already pay duties in advance, meaning only a small share of parcels are affected.
Compared with other European postal operators, Ireland’s fee sits within a broader range, with similar charges varying from €2 to €21.50 across countries including Germany, Austria and Belgium.
Consumers are being advised to check whether online retailers ship from within the EU, even if websites appear local. Authorities also warned that the timing of delivery, not the purchase date, determines whether the new charges apply.
With the change set to take effect, An Post has cautioned that scam attempts may increase. Customers are reminded that official payment requests will never be made through SMS links, and payments should only be completed via official channels or post offices.
