Starting today, July 1st, online purchases from countries outside the European Union are subject to a special fee of three euros per distinct product. The new charge applies to packages with a total value of up to €150 and is expected to significantly impact the online shopping habits of Greek consumers.
Which online purchases are affected by the new tariff
The measure applies exclusively to orders placed through online platforms from third countries. Consumers who prefer to shop from popular websites such as Temu, Shein, Trendyol, and Alibaba will face the additional charge. Similarly, small parcels from Amazon and eBay shipped from non-EU countries such as China and India are subject to the same regulation. The surcharge could make low-cost products significantly more expensive, which is expected to shift consumer preferences in online shopping. It should be noted that the measure is temporary, with an expiration date of June 30, 2028.
How the charge on online purchases is calculated
According to clarifications from the European Union, the €3 fee is applied separately for each distinct product type at the time of customs clearance. The measure applies to all packages regardless of when the order was placed or shipped.
For example, if someone made online purchases in June and ordered clothing, accessories, and a tech product with a combined value of €50, they will be charged an additional €9 if the parcel clears customs after July 1st. The more different product types an order contains, the higher the total surcharge.
AADE guidelines for online purchases from abroad
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has issued a circular with detailed guidelines on the application of the new customs rules:
As of July 1st, 2026, new rules for online purchases of goods valued up to €150 from countries outside the European Union come into force across all EU member states. The regulations apply exclusively to private consumers making online purchases through e-commerce platforms.
A special import duty of €3 is imposed for each distinct product imported from third countries via e-commerce. The duty is a transitional measure valid until June 30, 2028. From July 1st, 2028, the standard customs tariff regime will apply, with import duties calculated based on the tariff classification of each product.
Calculation examples for online purchases
To help consumers better understand how the calculation works, AADE provides the following specific examples:
- If a parcel from an online purchase contains a book, a notebook, and a pen, these count as three distinct items. A total duty of €9 is applied, to which the applicable VAT and any other charges are added.
- Conversely, if a parcel contains two identical notebooks with the same specifications, these are considered a single item and a total duty of €3 is applied.
Who pays the duty and how
The special import duty is paid to customs authorities by the declarant of the import. This may be the e-commerce platform, the seller, the shipping company, or their authorized representatives, depending on the shipment management model used.
In the event of a simple product return due to the consumer exercising their right of withdrawal or changing their mind, the duty paid is non-refundable. Exceptions apply in cases provided for under customs legislation, such as when products are defective or do not conform to the terms of the contract.
How VAT is affected on online purchases
The implementation of the new duty does not alter the existing VAT procedures for distance sales of imported goods. VAT continues to be paid at the time of purchase through the e-commerce platform when the Import One Stop Shop system is used, or at customs clearance by the consumer when the Special Arrangements or the standard VAT regime apply.
Consumers who regularly make online purchases from abroad should factor in both the new duty and VAT when planning their shopping.
