U.S. Small Biz Can't Ship to the EU Anymore
2 hours ago
- New EU customs fee of at least €3 per package under €150 makes shipping unaffordable for US small businesses.
- VAT collection complexity across EU member states (varying rates, monthly filing) adds significant overhead.
- End of de minimis shipping eliminates duty-free entry for low-value packages, increasing costs for small sellers.
- Shipping costs from the US to EU have skyrocketed, with no affordable carrier currently handling the new customs fee collection.
- Small businesses face challenges with DDP shipping, requiring VAT registration and customs fee prepayment or risking package return/destruction.
- EU's change mirrors US elimination of de minimis in 2025, but EU's lower cutoff and separate customs fee create higher barriers.
- Sellers like Glenn must remove EU from stores or refund customers due to inability to absorb additional fees without loss.