October 28, 2026, 7:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Anyone ordering from shops outside the EU on Singles Day (Nov. 11, 2026) or Black Friday (Nov. 27, 2026) will need to calculate more carefully in the future. Starting Nov. 1, an additional import fee will be added, which could increase the cost of deals.
New Import Fee Starts Nov. 1
For goods that retailers outside the EU send directly to customers in Europe, a processing fee of 2 euros per item will be charged in the future. This is in addition to the customs duty of 3 euros that has been in effect since July 1, 2026. What matters is not when customers click the order button, but when customs accepts the shipment’s declaration.
This can also affect purchases made in October. If the customs declaration reaches the authorities only in November, the new regulation will already apply. However, no additional processing fee is charged if the goods are shipped from a warehouse within the EU or purchased directly from an EU retailer.
Also of interest: Customs app provides information on fees and allowances
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How Additional Costs Can Add Up
The 2-euro import fee is not generally calculated for each individual product. The determining factor is what are called item positions. Several identical T-shirts, for example, can count as one position. However, if the order consists of a T-shirt and a pair of pants, it is considered two different positions.
For goods valued under 150 euros, additional costs can quickly add up. For two different item positions, a customs duty of 6 euros and a processing fee of 4 euros are due, totaling 10 euros. The new processing fee also applies regardless of the value of the goods and is not refunded in the event of a return. Although platforms or importers are supposed to bear the costs, they could factor them into pricing and indirectly pass them on to customers.
What Bargain Hunters Should Watch For
The change is particularly significant due to the upcoming sales events. Singles Day is on Nov. 11, followed by Black Friday on Nov. 27. Therefore, anyone ordering from a shop outside the EU should not only look at the advertised product price but also check the actual total amount required before purchasing.
Checking the shipping location can also save money. If the desired product comes from an EU warehouse, the new import fee does not apply. Buyers can usually find shipping information on the product page or at the latest during checkout. Especially for particularly cheap offers from non-EU shops, this check is worthwhile to ensure that a supposed bargain does not unexpectedly become a more expensive purchase.