Buying Online from Outside the EU? Changes Are Coming That Will Affect Spanish Consumers

June 24, 2026

Online shopping has made it easier than ever to buy products from around the world. Whether it’s clothing from the UK, electronics from Asia, or specialist products unavailable in Spain, many consumers have become accustomed to ordering internationally with just a few clicks and honestly, we do too.

However, the European Union is preparing significant changes to its customs system that could affect the cost, speed, and administration of buying goods from outside the EU.

Why Is the EU Changing the Rules?

The European Union has been reviewing its customs system in response to the rapid growth of e-commerce. Millions of low-value parcels enter the EU every day, creating challenges for customs authorities and concerns about unfair competition between European and non-European sellers.

The proposed reforms aim to create a more consistent system, improve product safety checks, and ensure that imported goods are taxed more fairly.

The End of Some Low-Value Import Benefits

One of the most significant changes involves parcels valued under €150.

Currently, many lower-value purchases entering the EU benefit from simplified customs procedures. Under the new proposals, imports from non-EU countries may become subject to additional customs charges, even when the value of the goods is relatively low.

From 1 July 2026, a customs duty of €3 will apply to business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce items valued under €150. The measure has been described as a temporary transitional arrangement while the EU works towards a more permanent long-term system.

Consumers should also be aware that the charge applies per item classification. This means that if a single parcel contains several different categories of products, multiple €3 charges could potentially apply.

Another important point concerns returns. If goods are imported, released into free circulation within the EU, and then returned by the customer, the €3 customs duty is not automatically refundable.

More Information Required for Imported Goods

The EU is also introducing systems that will require more detailed information about products entering Europe.

Retailers and shipping companies may need to provide additional product data before goods can clear customs. While most consumers may never notice these behind-the-scenes changes, they could lead to improved product traceability and better enforcement of safety standards.

The long-term goal is to ensure that products sold to European consumers meet the same standards regardless of where they are manufactured.

Could Deliveries Take Longer?

In the short term, whenever new customs procedures are introduced, there is often a period of adjustment.

Most major retailers and delivery companies are expected to adapt quickly, but consumers may occasionally experience longer processing times for some international shipments as businesses update their systems and procedures.

This is particularly relevant for purchases made from countries outside the European Union, including the United Kingdom.

What Does This Mean for Residents in Spain?

For people living in Spain, the practical impact is likely to be felt most when buying from online retailers based outside the EU.

You may notice:

Additional customs charges on some purchases.
More transparency regarding taxes and duties at checkout.
Greater scrutiny of imported products.
Potentially longer customs processing times for certain shipments.
Changes to how international retailers calculate final prices.

The exact impact will depend on the value of the goods, where they are being shipped from, and how individual retailers choose to handle the new requirements.

Timeline for EU Customs Reform and Implementation

The EU customs changes are not being introduced all at once. Instead, they are expected to roll out in phases over several years as part of a wider reform of how goods entering the European Union are processed and taxed.

Phase 1 – Temporary Solution (What we´re heading towards now)

The first stage focuses on simplifying how duties are collected on low-value parcels entering the EU.

From 1 July 2026, a fixed customs duty of €3 will apply to business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce items valued under €150 entering the EU. This will apply to goods sold from outside the EU where sellers are registered under the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system for VAT purposes.

At the same time, platforms and online marketplaces will take on a greater responsibility as “deemed importers.” This means they will be responsible for handling duties, VAT processes, and compliance obligations, rather than leaving this entirely to individual sellers or consumers.

From 1 November 2026, additional requirements are expected to come into force, requiring each item to be supported by more structured product data. This may include SKU numbers, listing IDs, catalogue references, and manufacturer identifiers such as model or series codes. The aim is to improve customs checks, product classification, and compliance screening.

These transitional measures are expected to remain in place until the EU introduces a more permanent customs framework for low-value goods

Phase 2 – Full Reform (Expected around mid-2028)

The second phase represents a more fundamental restructuring of EU customs rules.

The current €150 customs threshold is expected to be removed entirely, meaning that duties may apply to a wider range of imported goods regardless of value.

A major change will be the introduction of the EU Customs Data Hub, a centralised digital system designed to replace the current 27 separate national customs systems. This platform will enable unified risk analysis, pre-arrival assessments, and real-time monitoring of imports across all Member States.

Under this system, a fully digital customs regime will apply to all parcels entering the EU, with automated duty calculation supported by real-time data analysis.

Finally, a simplified tariff structure is expected to be introduced for e-commerce goods, grouping products into a small number of categories with standardised flat duty rates to make customs processing more consistent across the EU.