EU customs rules are changing on July 1, 2026.
From July 1, 2026, the €150 customs duty exemption will expire. The Netherlands will not introduce a national handling fee, but a €3 fee per declaration line will apply to e-commerce shipments up to €150.
We help UK brands prepare with:
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In-house AEO-certified customs team for accurate import declarations
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EU warehouse in Moerdijk, near Rotterdam
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Fast delivery to Germany, France, and the Benelux
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Real-time insight into inventory, orders, and customs status via our WMS portal
EU customs rules are changing: what does this mean for e-commerce shipments?
The EU is abolishing the €150 customs duty exemption as of July 1, 2026. Until that date, many packages with a value up to €150 could enter the EU without import duties. This exception will disappear from July 1, 2026.
Important to know: The Netherlands is not introducing a national handling fee for e-commerce shipments. This provides companies with more clarity. However, much is changing. From July 1, 2026, an import duty of €3 per declaration line will apply to e-commerce shipments up to €150.
This means that not only the number of packages counts, but also the number of declaration lines or product categories within a package. If an order consists of multiple product groups, the total levy per shipment can increase.
In addition, a European handling fee is expected from November 1, 2026. The exact amount is not yet definitively known.
For UK brands shipping directly from the UK to EU consumers, this means more pressure on costs, product data, and customs processes. A stock position within the EU helps to limit this impact. You bring goods into Europe in bulk, handle the import correctly once, and then deliver to your customers from EU stock.
Brexit already changed how you ship to Europe. Now, a new customs change is being added
Since Brexit, shipments from the UK to the EU are no longer internal European traffic. Every order crosses a customs border. For many e-commerce companies, this meant extra documentation, longer delivery times, more complex returns, and more questions for customer service.
The abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption adds a new layer to this. From July 1, 2026, smaller e-commerce shipments will also face €3 in import duties per declaration line.
For companies with low order values, high volumes, or packages containing multiple product categories, this can directly impact margins. What seems small per order can add up significantly on a monthly basis.
Suppose you send 5,000 orders to EU consumers monthly and each package contains an average of two declaration lines. Then the €3 levy alone could amount to €15,000 to €30,000 per month. The expected European handling fee from November 1, 2026, may be added on top of that.
That is why now is the time to review your supply chain. Not only to limit costs, but also to offer your customers faster, clearer, and more reliable delivery.
That is where Van der Helm comes in
For 90 years, we have been helping companies with international logistics, customs clearance, warehousing, and transport. From our fulfilment centre in Moerdijk, near Rotterdam, we support UK brands looking to prepare their European supply chain for the new customs rules.
Our approach is clear: you bring your stock to Moerdijk in bulk. Our AEO-certified customs team supports the import declaration and helps process product data carefully. After that, your stock is located within the EU, and you no longer ship every consumer order as an individual import shipment from the UK.
This brings more peace of mind to your operation. You limit individual customs moments, reduce the risk of delays, and maintain better control over costs, inventory, and delivery times.
Fast, connected operation
- 1 to 3 days delivery to Germany, France, and the Benelux
- Integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and more
- Real-time insight into inventory and orders via our online portal
- Scalable during peak periods, campaigns, and growth
More certainty with customs
- In-house AEO-certified customs team
- Support with HS classification and tariff control
- One clear import moment with bulk entry
- Less risk of extra costs due to incorrect or incomplete declarations
More control over your EU operation
- No individual import flow per consumer order from the UK
- Faster delivery from EU stock
- Less chance of unexpected costs for your customers
- More control over returns, inventory, and customer communication
Client reviews
Ramón Kerker
“I've been working at Profiltra for forty years, and we've been collaborating with Van der Helm Logistics for 27 years. What started with a few hundred pallets has grown into a pleasant partnership, including the storage and transport of nearly a thousand pallets. What's important to me is mutual respect and reliability, keeping agreements and doing what you promise. That's exactly what Van der Helm has demonstrated all these years. Thanks to their flexibility and commitment, we've been able to grow together as our product range continues to expand”
Tony Goffredo
"At Sleepers, we needed a logistics partner who could scale with us and simplify international shipping. Van der Helm Logistics has done exactly that. They respond quickly, solve challenges effortlessly, and take work off our hands, allowing us to focus on growing our brand. Plus, their commitment to efficiency and sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission. With Van der Helm, our logistics run smoothly, giving us peace of mind. A great partner to have!"
Petra den Heijer
"Van der Helm Logistics understands that our end customers should not notice any logistical challenges. Thanks to their proactive approach and constant availability, they ensure that our process runs smoothly, especially during peak periods. They are thoughtful and always offer a solution, which is crucial to our customer satisfaction."
Roderick van Welsum
"We have been working with Van der Helm Logistics for Customs Services for decades and we greatly appreciate the reliability and flexibility of their service. They always think well of us and provide an extra check on tariff preferences and customs legislation, which is essential for us. Our cooperation is always professional and relaxed, with a personal touch that makes all the difference."
Diederik Enneking
"Van der Helm is a reliable partner that relieves us in totality. They handle our seasonal peaks in import, storage and distribution extremely flexibly. The direct communication in this regard is a big plus."
Camille
"Communication with the assigned contacts is smooth and efficient, which is essential for our order processing, especially during peak seasons. Since switching to their services, we have seen a significant improvement in delivery times within the Netherlands."
Remco Glasbergen
"Van der Helm has helped us solve our logistics challenges with their flexible and reliable approach. They think with us and make sure we always have the space and capacity we need, especially during seasonal peaks."
A partner you trust with your brand
When you outsource your European fulfilment, you are handing over more than just stock. Every order, delivery, and return influences how your customer experiences your brand.
Van der Helm combines 90 years of logistical experience with modern e-commerce fulfilment. We understand the complexity of international trade and make it manageable for you. With personal contact, clear processes, and smart systems, we help you grow in Europe with confidence.
Wondering if your supply chain is ready for July 1, 2026?
The new EU customs rules are fast approaching. The Netherlands will not introduce a national handling fee, but the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption and the €3 per declaration line will proceed.
By reviewing your European fulfilment strategy now, you avoid surprises when the rules take effect. During a free strategy session, we look at your current logistics setup, order volumes, product categories, and key EU markets.
We then discuss where the biggest risks lie and how an EU stock position can help your brand.
No obligation, personal, and tailored to your situation.
Still have questions? These are our most frequently asked
No. The Netherlands will not introduce a national handling fee for e-commerce shipments. However, that doesn’t mean nothing changes. From July 1, 2026, the €150 customs duty exemption disappears and a €3 import duty per declaration line applies to e-commerce shipments up to €150. Additionally, a European handling fee is expected from November 1, 2026.
From July 1, 2026, the EU is abolishing the €150 customs duty exemption. As a result, e-commerce shipments from outside the EU with a value up to €150 will face a €3 import duty per declaration line. For companies sending many small packages to EU consumers, this can have a significant impact on the cost per order.
That depends on your average order value, the number of orders, and the number of declaration lines per package. A package with one declaration line could cost an extra €3. With three declaration lines, that could rise to €9. Especially for lower order values, this directly affects your margin.
No. The change applies to all e-commerce shipments from outside the EU. For UK brands, the impact is particularly relevant because shipments from the United Kingdom have not been treated as internal EU traffic since Brexit.
No, an EU warehouse is not mandatory. However, it can help limit the impact of individual import shipments. By bringing stock to the EU in bulk and importing it correctly once, you then deliver to your customers from European stock.
That would be wise. A good setup requires preparation. Consider product data, inventory planning, customs information, integrations, and the first bulk shipment. Starting on time prevents a last-minute rush before the new rules take effect.
Yes. We guide the transition step-by-step. Often, the existing flow continues temporarily while we set up the new EU structure. This limits risks and prevents your operation from coming to a standstill during the migration.
Yes. Many brands start with one product group, one market, or a selection of bestsellers. This allows you to test, learn, and then scale up. Our fulfilment solution grows along with your brand.