{"id":12518,"date":"2026-07-21T12:51:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T12:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/laatste-nieuws\/change-upon-import-of-product-identifiers-pids\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T11:57:44","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T11:57:44","slug":"change-upon-import-of-product-identifiers-pids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanderhelmlogistics.com\/en\/laatste-nieuws\/change-upon-import-of-product-identifiers-pids\/","title":{"rendered":"Import Change: Product Identifiers (PIDs)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you sell products directly to consumers within the European Union via a webshop, online marketplace, or another e-commerce channel? If so, you may face new obligations for your customs declarations. The European Union is introducing new requirements for Product Identifiers (PIDs) for e-commerce shipments. These are part of broader customs reforms and are intended to improve product traceability and strengthen customs supervision. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

From November 1, 2026, providing PID information will become mandatory for the relevant e-commerce shipments. Missing or incorrect PID data can lead to customs delays, requests for additional information, or rejection of the customs declaration. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

To help you prepare for these changes, we explain in this update what Product Identifiers are, which companies the new obligations apply to, and what product information may need to be provided to enable a correct customs declaration.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

July 2026 \u2013 Voluntary PID reporting started<\/h2>\n\n

The voluntary phase started on July 1, 2026. From that moment on, companies can include PID information in their customs declarations. During this transition period, customs authorities will not impose sanctions if PID data is missing or incorrect. <\/p>\n\n

November 2026 \u2013 PID reporting becomes mandatory<\/h2>\n\n

From November 1, 2026, providing PID information will be mandatory for the import flows involved. From that point on, customs can enforce the new requirements and reject, check, or further investigate customs declarations if the required PID information is missing or incorrect. In addition, new document codes for PIDs will be introduced. These codes must be included in the customs declaration from November 1, 2026. <\/p>\n\n

Which companies do these new requirements apply to?<\/h2>\n\n

The changes are particularly relevant for companies involved in distance sales<\/strong>. This occurs when goods from outside the European Union are sold directly to customers in the EU and the seller is involved in organizing or facilitating the transport. This concerns, for example, sales via: <\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • webshops;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • e-commerce platforms;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • online marketplaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n

    What is a PID?<\/h2>\n\n

    A Product Identifier (PID)<\/strong> is a product reference that allows customs to uniquely identify a product. The PID ensures that the correct product information is declared and supports the traceability of products within the supply chain. <\/p>\n\n

    When does a PID meet the requirements?<\/h2>\n\n

    A PID must uniquely identify one specific product variant. When a product differs in, for example, size, color, model, packaging configuration, or another relevant characteristic, a separate PID must in principle be used. <\/p>\n\n

    A valid PID:<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • identifies only one specific product variant;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • remains unchanged throughout the product’s life cycle;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • makes it possible to trace the product back to the seller, supplier, or manufacturer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • is used consistently in both sales platforms and customs declarations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n

      What types of PIDs can be used?<\/h2>\n\n

      The EU recognizes several types of Product Identifiers:<\/p>\n\n

      1. Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID)<\/h3>\n\n

      A product identification assigned by the seller, marketplace, or platform on which the product is offered. This identification must uniquely identify the product within the relevant sales channel. <\/p>\n\n

      2. Non-Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID)<\/h3>\n\n

      A product reference assigned by the manufacturer, such as a model number, part number, or internal product code. This identification is unique within the manufacturer’s own system. <\/p>\n\n

      3. Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (S-PID)<\/h3>\n\n

      An internationally recognized product identification, such as an EAN, GTIN, or ISBN code. These identifications follow international standards and are widely recognized by retailers, marketplaces, and customs authorities. <\/p>\n\n

      The PID used in the customs declaration must uniquely identify the imported product and be used consistently in both sales platforms and customs documentation.<\/p>\n\n

      The overview below shows which additional data is required as a result of the PID obligations, so that the customs department of Van der Helm can correctly prepare the customs declaration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n