Royal Mail has announced changes to EU customs requirements that could affect orders sent from the UK to customers across the EU from 1 November 2026.
I'm sharing this in advance so EU customers know what to expect when ordering from Earthy Crunch UK.
What's changing?
1. A new €2 handling fee
A new €2 handling fee per HS code is due to be introduced, on top of the existing €3 duty per HS code. This applies to all items containing goods and gifts valued above €45.
Depending on how the parcel is sent, this fee may be paid upfront or collected from the recipient by their local postal service before delivery. Most gifts will need to be sent with duties unpaid, meaning the recipient may have to pay the fee.
2. Additional product identification requirements
The EU is introducing new Product Identifier (PID) requirements to help customs identify goods, check compliance and calculate charges.
From 1 November 2026:
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All goods will require product identification information, regardless of value.
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Gifts valued above €45 will also require this information.
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Gifts valued at €45 or less will not require PIDs, although the usual customs information will still be needed.
For goods, two identifiers will be mandatory: a merchant product identifier and a manufacturer product reference. A standardised manufacturer identifier, such as an EAN or GTIN, can also be provided where applicable.
What does this mean for Earthy Crunch UK?
I'm reviewing the information available and will work through any necessary changes to customs declarations and product records ahead of the deadline.
The new handling fee may increase the cost of receiving parcels for EU customers, depending on the shipping method used. Unfortunately, this is an external customs requirement rather than a charge set by Earthy Crunch UK.
I'll share any further updates that affect EU orders as more information becomes available.
Another box ticked in our ongoing commitment to being a responsible seller.
Where can you find more information?
Royal Mail has published further guidance on the upcoming changes:
Read Royal Mail's EU trade guidance
Please note: Royal Mail's announcement states that the €2 handling fee had been approved by the EU but was still awaiting ratification at the time of writing. Requirements and implementation details may therefore be subject to change.
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