EU to Remove 150-Euro Limit for Online Import VAT

Buying goods from non-EU websites will soon get easier.

The EU Council agreed to remove the 150 euros limit for online VAT.

Platforms will collect import VAT directly at checkout for all order values.

This eliminates local customs handling fees on high-value orders in Scandinavia.

Currently, the Import One-Stop Shop framework only covers parcels up to 150 euros.

For expensive packages, buyers pay import tax during local customs clearance.

Postal agencies also charge processing fees to clear those packages on delivery.

The expanded rules will cover all distance sales of imported goods.

Platforms like Taobao and Shein will handle VAT on all facilitated sales.

This policy change does not introduce any new tax for shoppers.

Import VAT is already required on all goods entering the EU.

The new rule only changes how shoppers pay the tax.

Paying tax at checkout speeds up Scandinavian customs processing.

The new rules will apply from 1 July 2028.

They depend on the new EU Customs Data Hub becoming operational.

The European Commission will review the scheme by 1 December 2030.

The European Parliament will review the draft before final Council adoption.

This announcement was issued by the European Commission.