New European Union (EU) Import Requirements – November 2026
Dear customer,
We would like to inform all customers of important customs changes affecting international shipments, including new European Union (EU) import requirements being introduced on 1 November 2026.
These changes may affect the information required when booking shipments, the customs clearance process and the charges applicable to certain goods. Requirements vary depending on the destination, shipment type, goods being transported and the nature of the transaction.
1. EU Product Identifier (PID) Requirements
From 1 November 2026, new Product Identifier (PID) requirements will apply to specified e-commerce import declarations entering the EU going to a consumer (business deliveries remain the same, but a valid VAT number will be required for the company receiving the goods)
Product Identifiers are codes used to identify particular products, models or items. Where applicable, this information must be provided as part of the customs declaration process.
Customers sending goods to the EU should be prepared to provide additional product identification information if requested. The requirements do not automatically apply to every type of international shipment.
M-PID (Merchant Product Identifier) – SKU NUMBERS
NS-PID (Non-standard Manufacturer Product Identifier) – Model / part or style number assigned by the manufacturer.
S-PID (Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier) — Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), International Article Number (EAN), Universal Product Code (UPC), International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
2. EU Customs Duty and Handling Fee
The EU is introducing changes to the customs treatment and handling of certain low-value e-commerce imports originating outside the EU going to consumers. These changes may affect customs declaration information requirements and the charges applicable to eligible shipments.
The application of any duties, handling fees or other import-related charges will depend on the relevant rules and the circumstances of each shipment. Such charges may be imposed by customs authorities, carriers or other service providers, where applicable. Further information will be provided as confirmed details become available
3. Information Required for International Shipments
To help ensure shipments are processed efficiently, customers must provide accurate and complete shipping information.
Depending on the destination and the goods being sent, this may include:
- A clear and detailed description of the goods.
- The quantity and unit of measure.
- The accurate customs value and currency.
- The country of origin.
- The appropriate HS commodity code, where required.
- The reason for shipment, such as sale, business sample, gift, return or repair.
- Product identifiers and other supporting information where applicable.
- Any additional documentation required by the carrier or customs authorities.
Incomplete, inaccurate or missing information may result in additional enquiries, customs clearance delays or requests for further documentation.
4. Business Samples, Gifts and Non-Sale Shipments
Shipments that are not part of a commercial sale must still be declared accurately.
Customers sending business samples, promotional items, gifts, returns or other non-sale goods should clearly state the purpose of the shipment and provide a realistic customs value. The applicable customs treatment will depend on the circumstances and relevant regulations.
A shipment being described as a gift or sample does not automatically exempt it from customs declarations, duties or other applicable requirements.
5. What Customers Need to Do
We recommend that all customers:
- Provide complete and accurate shipment details at the time of booking.
- Ensure commercial invoices reflect the actual contents, value and purpose of the shipment.
- Supply any additional product information or documentation requested.
- Allow sufficient time for customs clearance, particularly where additional information may be required.
6. Further Information
We continue to monitor international customs developments and will provide further guidance where changes affect our shipping services.
If you are unsure what information is required for your shipment, please contact our team before dispatch.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain an efficient and compliant international shipping service.
Need help? Contact the team
international@ecourier.co.uk