FedEx recently sent an email to its customer base reminding them of new EU customs regulations. What is a product identification code? Why is something that wasn't required before suddenly needed?
From July 1, 2026, all goods imported into the EU with a value not exceeding €150 must provide three product identification codes for customs clearance. Without these codes, customs clearance will be impossible, and the goods cannot be delivered.
What has changed?
Previously, goods valued at under €150 were exempt from tariffs when entering the EU, and declaration requirements were lenient. After July 1st, two things happened simultaneously:
Tariffs are unavoidable. The €150 duty-free threshold has been removed, replaced by a fixed €3 duty per customs declaration. For example, a package containing goods under three different tariff codes would incur a €9 duty. This €3 is a temporary measure; it is expected to be replaced by the normal duty rate once the EU Customs Data Center goes online in 2028.
Product identification code must be entered. New mandatory requirements.
What is a product identification code?
Three codes are used to identify what you are selling:
Merchant Product Identification Code — Your own SKU, product number. For example, the number your store assigns to this product is "SKU-2026001".
Non-standard manufacturer product identification code — The number assigned to this product by the manufacturer may be an internal model code within the factory.
Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier — Globally recognized barcode numbers, such as EAN-13 or UPC. Not all products have this; if so, it must be provided.
Which goods are affected?
- Consumer goods with a single item value of ≤150 euros
- B2C direct sales or sales through a platform
- Imports into the EU customs territory
Unaffected: B2B imports that have already registered for VAT.
What would happen if we didn't provide it?
Goods cannot be cleared through customs, and FedEx cannot deliver them. As a customs broker, FedEx needs to enter this data into the customs declaration form and submit it to customs. Incomplete data will result in customs refusing to release the goods.
Time Node
- June 15, 2026 — FedEx recommends starting to provide product identification codes
- July 1, 2026 — Formal implementation: Goods arriving in the EU must have complete data.
Supporting changes
EU processing fee: The European Commission plans to impose a uniform EU-wide handling fee on low-value goods starting November 1, 2026; the specific amount is yet to be determined.
Recipient's email address: FedEx emphasizes the need to provide the recipient's email address. Without an email address, notifications regarding customs duties and taxes cannot be sent, and goods cannot be delivered.
Italian administrative fees: Starting January 1, 2026, Italy will impose an additional 2 euros on low-value imports.
What do you need to do?
- Organize product data: Compile the SKU, manufacturer number, and barcode (EAN/UPC) for each product.
- Starting June 15th, fill in these three codes on commercial invoices.
- Ensure recipient information is complete: email, phone number, and detailed address.
- The HS code must be at least 6 digits (this was a requirement before, but it's stricter now).
background
In 2021, the EU abolished the €22 VAT exemption threshold; now it's the turn of the tariff threshold. The reform aims to combat underreporting of customs duties and tax evasion, and to address the surge in cross-border e-commerce parcels. The €3 temporary tariff is a transitional measure; it will be levied at the normal rate after the EU's "Customs Data Center" goes online in 2028.
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