What new EU rules are taking effect on 1 July 2026?
The European Union is removing the duty-free exemption that previously allowed goods valued below €150 to enter the EU from outside without customs duties. Starting 1 July 2026, low-value imports, including subscription boxes and one-off product orders shipped from Japan, may be subject to customs duties.
This change affects parcels arriving from any non-EU country, not just Japan. It is a regulatory change made by the EU.
Official reference: European Commission – Guidance on temporary flat fee on low-value imports
Which countries are affected?
This update applies to shipments sent to all EU member states, which are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
*Note: Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are NOT EU member states and operate under separate customs rules.
How are my boxes shipped?
Boxes are shipped from Japan via Japan Post. Delivery to the EU is handled on a Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis, meaning customs duties are the responsibility of the recipient if assessed upon import. VAT is handled upfront via IOSS.
Does this mean new duties will apply to every shipment?
Not necessarily to every shipment, and the rate will vary by country. EU member states have discretion in how they implement the new rules, and processing capacity will differ. Carriers may apply these charges progressively as systems are updated. However, you should plan for the possibility of a duty notice on any box shipped to an EU address from 1 July 2026 onwards.
What does the Tax & Duties amount in my order cover?
The Tax & Duties amount collected at checkout covers the VAT (Value Added Tax) that ICHIGO is required to remit to the EU on your behalf. We do this through the EU's Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system, which allows us to pre-collect and remit VAT so that your box can clear customs for VAT purposes without any VAT being demanded at the door.
This amount does not cover customs duties (import tariffs), which are a separate charge assessed by the destination country's customs authority and collected by the carrier.
Why wasn't customs duty included in the Tax & Duties charge before?
Until 1 July 2026, EU rules provided a duty exemption for low-value goods (under €150). There was no customs duty to collect because none was legally owed. The new EU rules remove that exemption, which is why duty may now apply where it did not before.
Will the Tax & Duties amount at checkout change?
We regularly review our pricing structure. Any changes will be communicated in advance. For now, the Tax & Duties amount at checkout continues to cover VAT remittance via IOSS.
How will I know if I need to pay a customs duty?
Your local postal carrier will contact you directly if a customs duty payment is required. This may come via:
An SMS or email notification with a payment link
A paper notice left at your address
A request at the time of attempted delivery
Please make sure your contact details on file with us are up to date so carriers can reach you.
How much will the customs duty be?
The amount depends on your destination country's duty rate applied to the declared value of your box. Carriers may also add a small disbursement or handling fee for collecting the payment on behalf of customs authorities. ICHIGO does not set or receive these fees.
What happens if I do not pay the customs duty?
If a carrier is unable to collect the required duty, they will typically hold the parcel for a set period, depending on the country, before returning it to the sender. ICHIGO's standard policy for returned boxes applies. We strongly recommend paying any carrier notice promptly to avoid delays or non-delivery.
My box is being held at customs — what do I do?
First, check your tracking number for the carrier's instructions. Most carriers will provide a reference number and a way to pay online. If you are unsure, contact your local postal service directly with your tracking number. If you have paid and the box is still not moving, contact our support team, and we will do our best to assist.
If you have more questions, you can contact our Customer Support directly, so we can assist you as efficiently as possible.
We will update this article as the rules take effect and as we receive further guidance.
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