How to avoid the new EU duty and handling fees piling up with your ecommerce sales.
Introduced 1st November, a new EU Handling Fee (UHF) of €2 is now charged by product type, following the €3 duty charge on small parcels brought in July.
This affects EU imports of B2C ecommerce shipments.
Therefore the cost of bringing a parcel of under €150 directly into the EU containing a watch, a t-shirt and earphones will trigger 3 x €3 duty charges, plus 3 x €2 handling charges = €15 plus postage and customs clearance. €24.50 approx.
For the same parcel fulfilled from stock held in the Netherlands it would be €2 in normal duty plus the one off sea freight (bulk shipping) and customs clearance, storage and picking, then delivery/postage within the EU. €10.00 approx.
And remember the new duty and handling fees apply to multiple product categories in one parcel (under €150) triggering multiple €3 and €2 charges on one consumer order.
Since the EU imposed the €3 duty charge on small parcels in July, imports have fallen by over 60% and ecommerce tonnes from China to the EU were down 50% year on year in September. In September and August, Dutch Customs reported about 70% fewer ecommerce declaration lines compared with the same months a year earlier.
How is the UHF different from the 3 Euro customs duty?
More information on the €3 duty charge and how it affects your ecommerce retail sales here
Speak to us about European ecommerce fulfilment. Our Netherlands warehouse can save you money by avoiding these charges. Speak to one of our team on 01622 237979 or email us sales@tps-global.com
How to ensure smooth customs clearance for your goods?
- Provide accurate and complete goods details – this includes the actual value of the goods and the HS codes.
- Provide the importer/receiver’s correct name, email and mobile number.
- Confirm whether the shipper or the receiver will be paying the import duties, taxes and other customs related charges.