France suspends national two-euro levy on small parcels – EU flat customs fee of 3 euros applies from July 1

Paris – 30.06.2026: The French government is suspending the national levy of 2 euros per item on small import parcels. The regulation, which has applied since March 1, 2026, is being suspended because an EU-wide uniform flat customs fee of 3 euros per item comes into force on July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Economy and Trade justifies the move by citing the avoidance of double charges and the aim of harmonizing import controls across Europe.

Paris – 30.06.2026: The flat customs fee adopted by the Council of the European Union applies to goods consignments with a declared value under 150 euros, which are typically ordered via international online marketplaces. National special routes are to be eliminated. France points out that a uniform levy makes it more difficult to circumvent charges through intra-community rerouting and standardizes customs clearance. The authority responsible for implementation in France remains the customs administration (Direction generale des Douanes et Droits indirects), which is adapting technical procedures together with postal and express carriers.

Paris – 30.06.2026: The national two-euro levy was introduced to address the sharp increase in small-scale e-commerce consignments from third countries and to limit competitive disadvantages for domestic retailers. With the EU rule, the burden now shifts to a single mechanism. Trade associations and logistics companies welcome the harmonization but expect short-term adjustments to data interfaces, invoicing, and the handling of goods already shipped that arrive after the cut-off date.

Paris – 30.06.2026: For consumers, the change means that a flat 3 euros per item may be charged on delivery or during the ordering process in the future, provided the shipment is below the 150-euro threshold and has not already been correctly settled under existing systems such as the Import-One-Stop-Shop (IOSS). Suppliers using the IOSS typically show charges directly at the point of purchase; otherwise they may become due on import or delivery. According to the government, the EU rule is intended to increase transparency and curb abuse through underdeclarations.

Paris – 30.06.2026: The government announced that it will not continue the national measure in parallel. Further detailed adjustments at EU level are planned for autumn to adapt verification processes, digital pre-declarations and controls to the new requirements. Authorities point out that a uniform levy should also make competition within the single market fairer, since the same rules for suppliers and platforms apply in all member states.