Belgium is stepping up efforts to strengthen e-commerce compliance as the European Union introduces new customs charges on low-value parcels entering the bloc.
From 1 July 2026, a temporary €3 customs duty applies to e-commerce consignments worth up to €150 imported from outside the EU. The charge is applied per product category, with multiple categories in one parcel attracting separate fees.
The measure is aimed at addressing the rapid growth in low-value imports, which has increased pressure on customs authorities and created concerns over undervaluation, counterfeit goods and products that fail to meet EU safety and compliance standards. Belgium says the new system should also improve competition for European retailers.
The EU is also moving toward tougher enforcement. Under the bloc’s latest customs reform, non-EU e-commerce platforms will be treated as importers and will be responsible for customs formalities and duty payments. Operators that systematically fail to meet their obligations could face financial penalties, including fines of up to 6% of their annual import value in serious cases.
A separate EU-wide handling fee for small parcels is also due to be introduced by 1 November 2026, with the European Commission expected to determine the fee level.
Product identifiers will become mandatory from November 2026, further strengthening traceability and allowing customs authorities to identify potentially unsafe or non-compliant goods.
The changes mark a broader shift toward tighter oversight of cross-border e-commerce, with Belgium and the EU seeking to improve customs compliance, protect consumers and create a more level playing field for European businesses.