Field note
On 1 July 2026, sellers asked why a new EU customs charge had appeared on their invoices. The charge needed an explanation tied to the applicable rule and the affected orders, rather than a new total with no basis.
For how customs count items under the €3 duty, see the EU €3 customs duty explained per item.
Check which orders the customs rule covers
European Commission guidance describes a temporary EUR 3 customs duty per customs item for covered distance-sale consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding EUR 150, from 1 July 2026 until 1 July 2028. Applicability depends on the import arrangement described in that guidance, including IOSS or postal conditions. It is not a blanket charge on every parcel.
For the calculation, a customs item is represented by a goods declaration line; it is not simply every physical unit in the parcel. Ask which declaration lines and import arrangement produced the charge on your order. This customs duty is separate from VAT; the guidance says the existing VAT schemes remain unchanged.
Confirm access and open orders during a store sale
A store also changed ownership that day. The handover needed the store authorisation and account access to move correctly. Before an ownership change, agree who can approve orders, which open orders remain outstanding and who is responsible for the handover.
Keep sourcing and colour approvals specific
New enquiries concerned beach towels with a supplier minimum above the buyer's intended quantity and custom printed mugs. Those enquiries were still at the quotation stage; they were not confirmed production orders.
A beauty-product buyer also reviewed nail-polish pen colours and requested painted swatches before deciding which shades to keep. Keep the approved colour reference with the purchase instruction rather than relying on a colour name alone.
Ask for the basis before accepting a revised total
If a new charge appears, ask for its basis, effective date, affected orders and whether it was included in the quote. When a store changes ownership, agree the account permissions, open orders and handover responsibility in writing.