A €3 fee also came into force in July, leading to a 60% drop in small parcel imports over three months. The new rules aim to counter imports from Chinese platforms, whose low prices threaten European retailers.

The new €2 fee, which comes into force on 1 November, will apply to all packages, regardless of their value, and will cover customs handling costs. It comes in addition to the €3 duty.

In 2024, 91% of those shipments came from China, posing fierce competition for European retailers.

So we’re not going to care about the remaining 9%?

Example from revenue.ie:

For example, a package valued at €10 containing a pen, notebook and key ring purchased online and sent from outside the EU contains three different items. Since 1 July 2026, the €3 Customs Duty charge applies to each item, resulting in Customs Duty of €9, plus any applicable VAT. From 1 November 2026, an additional Union Handling Fee of €2 per item will also apply, adding €6. The total charges will therefore be €15, plus any applicable VAT.

And example of what’s in those 9% (as of 2024):

However, eCommerce goods sent from Great Britain to Ireland will be liable to Customs Duty, VAT and from 1 November, the Union Handling Fee.