The U-Freight Group has noticed that EU importers and international e-commerce businesses are adapting their shipping processes for cross-border trade following the European Union’s abolition of the €150 duty-free threshold for low-value consignments, which came into effect on 1 July 2026.

Under the new regulations, shipments valued at €150 or less entering the European Union are now subject to a temporary customs charge of €3 per commodity code contained within each parcel. The measure replaces the previous duty-free exemption for low-value goods and is expected to remain in force until at least 1 July 2028 as part of the EU’s wider customs reform programme.

The changes represent one of the most significant developments in European e-commerce logistics in recent years and are expected to have a substantial impact on businesses shipping large volumes of direct-to-consumer (B2C) parcels into the EU.

“The removal of the €150 de minimis threshold marks a major turning point for cross-border e-commerce,” said Simon Wong, Chief Executive Officer of U-Freight Group. “Business models built around shipping individual low-value parcels directly into Europe now face higher costs, increased customs complexity and the potential for longer clearance times. If they haven’t already, companies need to review their supply chain strategies now rather than wait for costs to escalate.”

The new customs regime forms part of the EU’s efforts to modernise customs procedures, create a more level playing field between parcel and bulk imports, and discourage the undervaluation of goods previously used to benefit from duty exemptions.

Industry trends already indicate that supply chains are evolving in response. Across several key European markets, including Spain, France and Poland, locally fulfilled e-commerce orders have now overtaken direct cross-border shipments, reflecting a growing preference for forward-deployed inventory and regional distribution.

U-Freight believes that establishing inventory within Europe offers businesses a practical long-term solution to the new regulatory environment. By positioning stock closer to customers, companies can minimise border-related costs, improve delivery performance and strengthen supply chain resilience.

“Forward positioning inventory within Europe is becoming a competitive necessity rather than simply an operational option,” added Wong. “Regional fulfilment enables businesses to improve delivery speeds, reduce customs-related uncertainty and maintain a seamless customer experience while remaining fully compliant with the latest EU requirements.”

U-Freight offers integrated supply chain solutions designed to help businesses adapt to changing international trade regulations. Its services include international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, inventory management and European distribution, providing customers with end-to-end support as they navigate the evolving customs landscape.

U-Freight is encouraging businesses exporting to the EU to review their shipping profiles, evaluate product classifications, assess the financial impact of the new customs charges and consider whether regional fulfilment strategies could improve efficiency and reduce overall logistics costs.

As regulatory changes continue to reshape global trade, U-Freight remains committed to helping customers build agile, compliant and cost-effective supply chains that support sustainable international growth.