Changes to EU customs rules came into effect in July 2026. These changes will affect low-value shipments (under €150) sent from outside the EU to backers in the EU. You can read more about these changes below.
What is changing?
From 1 July, 2026, the EU is removing the existing customs duty exemption on goods valued under €150. A flat duty of €3 per item type will apply to these shipments. This is a transitional rate that will remain in place until 1 July, 2028.
Separately, some EU member states have introduced their own national handling fees on top of this duty:
- France: €2 per goods type, effective 1 March, 2026
- Italy: €2 per goods type, effective 1 June, 2026
Other EU member states are expected to follow with their own fees. Full details have not yet been published in all countries.
These charges apply per item type, not per parcel. A package containing two different product categories would attract €6 in EU customs duty, plus any applicable national fee.
Who pays these charges?
These costs are collected by customs authorities at the point of importation, not at checkout. Who bears the cost depends on the shipping terms agreed between the creator and their fulfilment partner:
- If the creator ships on a duties paid basis (DDP), they or their fulfillment partner cover the charges.
- If the creator ships on a duties unpaid basis (DDU), the backer may be asked to pay before or at delivery.
What does this mean for creators?
If you are shipping physical rewards to EU backers, we recommend:
- Reviewing your shipping costs and reward pricing to account for these additional charges.
- Checking how your fulfilment partner handles customs duties and declarations.
- Ensuring your shipments use accurate product classifications, as duties are assessed per item type.
What does this mean for backers?
If you are an EU-based backer receiving rewards shipped from outside the EU, you may see additional charges applied at the point of delivery, depending on how the creator has arranged shipping. If you have questions about a specific order, we recommend reaching out to the project creator or your shipping carrier.
What about VAT?
Kickstarter collects VAT at checkout for eligible shipments under the IOSS scheme. These new customs duties and national fees are entirely separate from VAT and are not collected or remitted by Kickstarter.
We will continue to monitor developments and share further guidance as more details are confirmed by EU authorities. If you have questions, please reach out to your fulfillment partner or shipping carrier.