What Changes for Non-EU Online Shopping on 1 July 2026
Non-EU online shopping in Germany gets more expensive From Wednesday, 1 July 2026, the European Union ends its long-standing rule that let parcels worth up to €150 enter the EU customs-free. This is the so-called “Zollfreigrenze” (customs-free threshold) that many international shoppers in Germany have been using when ordering from non-EU websites like Temu, Shein, AliExpress and smaller US or UK shops. In its place, the EU is bringing in a temporary flat customs duty of €3 per item category in each parcel. That means a package containing, for example, a T-shirt and a phone charger will be charged €3 for each category, not €3 per parcel. The rule was formally adopted by the Council of the EU and applies in all member states, including Germany.
Why the EU Is Changing the Rule
The European Commission says the number of low-value parcels arriving from outside the EU has grown enormously in recent years, with a very large share coming from China. The Council of the EU describes the reform as a response to “unfair competition” for EU sellers, consumer safety risks, and the environmental impact of so many low-value cross-border shipments. Platforms like Temu and Shein have built their business model around shipping very cheap items directly to European customers, often without standard customs checks. Brussels wants to close that gap and bring those orders in line with goods sold by businesses based inside the EU.
What This Means for Your Next Order
For shoppers living in Germany, the most important point is that the final price of non-EU orders will go up. On top of the new €3 customs duty per item category, German import VAT (“Einfuhrumsatzsteuer”, currently 19 percent for most goods, 7 percent for some) still applies and is calculated on the value of the goods plus the customs duty. The €3 flat duty is meant as a transitional measure until 1 July 2028, when a new EU customs data platform is expected to take over and standard customs duties will apply to every imported item, regardless of value.
How to Prepare as an International in Germany
Before placing a non-EU order after 1 July, check whether the seller ships from an EU warehouse. Many large platforms, including Temu and Shein, are already shifting stock into EU storage to avoid the new duty for their customers. Compare prices with EU-based retailers, since the gap will become smaller for many products. Expect slightly longer delivery times as customs handling at airports and sorting centres adjusts to the new rules. If you are new to Germany, remember that customs charges and import VAT are usually collected by the delivery company (DHL, Hermes, UPS) at the door or before release, so keep a payment method ready when your package arrives.
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