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Attention from July 1: How a package with 3 cheap items will cost an extra 9 euros - 10 SOS instructions
🇬🇷 Greece /Economy & Trade

Attention from July 1: How a package with 3 cheap items will cost an extra 9 euros - 10 SOS instructions

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Starting July 1, 2026, a new EU regulation will impose a 3-euro fee on each distinct item in online purchases from outside the EU valued up to 150 euros.
  • This transitional fee, valid until June 30, 2028, applies per item type, not per package, meaning a package with multiple different items will incur multiple fees.
  • The new rules clarify procedures for customs authorities and e-commerce platforms, with VAT and other charges still applicable.

A new import fee of 3 euros per distinct item will apply to online purchases under 150 euros from outside the European Union starting July 1, 2026. The Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has issued guidelines to ensure uniform application of this new regulation across all EU member states, including Greece.

The burden of 3 euros is calculated per different type of product and not per package.

— Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and IndustryExplaining how the new import fee is applied.

This transitional measure, detailed in circular 2029/2026, will be in effect until June 30, 2028. After this period, standard customs duties will be calculated based on product classification, regardless of value or purchase method. The fee is specifically for individual consumers making purchases via e-commerce from third countries.

The key clarification is that the 3-euro charge is levied per distinct type of good, not per package. For example, a package containing a book, a notebook, and a pen will be subject to three separate fees totaling 9 euros, plus applicable VAT and other charges. However, two identical notebooks with the same characteristics in one package will be considered a single item, incurring only the 3-euro fee.

If a package contains a book, a notebook, and a pen, these are three different items. In this case, a total fee of 9 euros is imposed, to which the corresponding VAT and any other charges are added.

— Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and IndustryIllustrating the fee structure for packages with multiple distinct items.

E-commerce platforms, sellers, or shipping companies will be responsible for collecting and remitting this special import duty to customs authorities. The fee is generally non-refundable for simple returns due to a change of mind. Refunds are possible for defective products or those not meeting contract terms, following specific customs procedures. The new rules do not affect purchases made within Greece or between EU member states.

If a package includes two identical notebooks with the same characteristics, they are considered one item and a total duty of 3 euros is imposed.

— Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and IndustryClarifying the fee for identical items within a package.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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