Etsy Advises US Sellers on Upcoming EU and French Import Fee Changes

Brussels, Belgium & Washington D.C. – June 12, 2026 – Online marketplace Etsy has issued crucial guidance to its US-based sellers regarding significant upcoming changes in import regulations for shipments destined for the European Union and France. These changes, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, will impact the cost of goods for European buyers and require sellers to adapt their shipping and pricing strategies.

The European Union is dismantling its current de minimis threshold for imported goods valued at €150 or less. This means that, from July 1, 2026, all shipments entering the EU, regardless of their value, will be subject to customs duties and taxes. Concurrently, the EU is introducing a new, temporary flat customs duty of €3 for business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments that fall below the €150 threshold. This measure is designed to simplify and streamline the customs process for low-value imports.

Etsy communicated these impending changes to its US sellers via an announcement on its community forums, outlining how the new EU regulations will affect their international sales. Notably, the United Kingdom, having left the European Union, is not included in these new EU-wide regulations.

In addition to the broader EU changes, France is implementing a specific import fee of €2 for certain low-value goods shipped into the country from non-EU nations. This additional fee will be applied on top of any other applicable duties and taxes, further impacting the final cost for French consumers purchasing from international sellers.

The €3 temporary customs duty in the EU is scheduled to remain in effect for a defined period. According to information published on the European Commission’s taxation and customs website, this flat fee will be applicable until July 1, 2028. Following this date, standard customs duties will be reinstated, calculated based on the specific type of good being imported, as per existing EU customs regulations.

This move by the EU echoes a similar policy shift in the United States. Last year, the US ended its $800 de minimis threshold for packages arriving in the country, meaning that duties are now payable on all imported items, regardless of their value. This aligns with a global trend towards greater scrutiny and taxation of low-value international shipments.

Marketplace competitor eBay has also acknowledged these regulatory shifts, providing a dedicated help page on its export portal to inform sellers about the new €3 customs duty that will be implemented in the EU. This suggests a coordinated effort across major e-commerce platforms to ensure sellers are informed and prepared for the forthcoming regulatory landscape.

In parallel, the US government has also been actively modernizing its import processes. This week, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it is piloting a new electronic entry system specifically for international mail shipments. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and ensure that importers fulfill their obligations to provide more detailed information on goods entering the United States via postal channels. This development underscores a broader push by customs authorities globally to leverage technology for more effective and transparent trade facilitation.

For US sellers on platforms like Etsy, these upcoming changes necessitate a thorough review of their pricing strategies, shipping policies, and product listings. Understanding the new fee structures and potential impact on their customer base in the EU and France will be critical for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring a smooth transaction process. Sellers are encouraged to consult official announcements from Etsy and relevant government agencies for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

About the Author:
Ina Steiner, co-founder and Editor of EcommerceBytes, has been reporting on the e-commerce industry since 1999. She is a recognized authority on marketplace selling and the author of "Turn eBay Data Into Dollars." Her work has been featured in various publications, and she is a member of the Online News Association and Investigative Reporters and Editors.