March 24, 2026
The most significant thing that differentiates a shipping/commercial invoice from other invoices is that it must contain specific pieces of information.
Services
E-retail
Mail and Parcel Forwarding
Shop and Ship
Guides and Explainers
We previously communicated that, from 1 July 2026, the EU would introduce a flat customs duty of €3 based on its tariff classification on eligible Business-to-Consumer (B2C) consignments valued at €150 or less entering the EU.
Alongside this change, the EU will require new Product Identifiers from 1 November 2026 as part of its wider Customs Reform programme. There will also be an additional handling fee.
The changes are being addressed by leading postal services and couriers, such as Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DHL and DPD. To ensure items entering the EU from 1 November 2026 are accompanied by the required information, Product Identifier data will be mandated for Royal Mail Click & Drop items posted from 26 October 2026. For the affected Click & Drop account types, services, customs declaration categories and exceptions please visit the Royal Mail Click & Drop Help Centre.
From 1 November 2026, a €2 Union handling fee per distinct item will apply to goods sold in distance sales and imported into the EU, regardless of value. This is separate from the €3 customs duty, which applies to qualifying distance-sale consignments valued at €150 or less. The two charges have different scopes and are calculated under their respective rules.
1. Merchant Product Identifier (Mandatory) - M-PID
This is the stock keeping unit used to identify a particular product in your catalogue, such as a marketplace listing ID, seller SKU, retailer stock code, Amazon ASIN. For example, a retailer might use a reference such as TSHIRT-BLK-M for a medium black T-shirt.
2. Non-standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (Mandatory) - NS-PID
This is a product reference assigned or used by the manufacturer, such as an internal model number, product code or series identifier. For example, a manufacturer might identify a product using a reference such as ABC-MOD-9920-BLK.
3. Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (Should be declared if one exists) - S-PID
If the product has a recognised identifier, such as a GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN (e.g. 05012345678903), it should be declared. If none exists, the declaration uses code Y081.
Keeping this information accurate and consistent can help reduce the risk of customs queries and delivery delays.
Our source: https://www.royalmail.com/europeantradeinsights
Royal Mail has confirmed that its Click & Drop system will require the relevant Product Identifier values for affected shipments before postage can be applied.
If the required information is missing, you may be unable to complete the shipping dispatch process until the details have been supplied.
Incomplete customs information can also create difficulties when goods are processed for international delivery. Businesses should therefore avoid leaving product identification fields until the last minute.
The best approach is to build these details into your product catalogue and order management processes so that the information is available whenever you prepare a shipment.
As provided with the 1 July 2026 changes, we've updated our preparation guidance to reflect the 1 November 2026 changes.
With changes to customs duties and processing for low-value parcels entering the EU, businesses sending goods to EU customers should review their shipping and customs processes.
Review EU order costs
Consider how potential import duties, VAT, and handling charges could affect orders sent to EU destinations. Who pays the charge will depend on the shipping and delivery arrangements. Understanding the potential costs can help you communicate clearly with customers.
Organise product information
Accurate product data helps ensure parcels pass through customs smoothly. Make sure you capture key details for each item, including:
From 1 November 2026, new Product Identifier requirements apply to relevant e-commerce distance-sale shipments imported into the EU. Relevant information is required for affected items posted from 26 October 2026. A standardised product identifier, such as a GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN, is optional under Royal Mail's guidance.
Providing accurate and complete information helps customs authorities correctly assess the shipment and reduces the risk of delays. Check your carrier's guidance to confirm which requirements apply to your shipments.
Communicate clearly with customers
Since import duties and taxes may be payable by the recipient, depending on the shipping arrangements, it’s important to inform customers before they place an order. Adding clear notices on your website or checkout pages can help avoid confusion if charges are requested before delivery.
Review shipping options
Using a mix of postal and courier services may help you manage shipping costs and delivery times. Different carriers may also apply different customs clearance or handling fees. Check whether your chosen service requires additional Product Identifier information for shipments to the EU.
Consider fulfilment strategies
Businesses that regularly ship to EU customers may wish to review their fulfilment strategy, such as consolidating shipments or exploring EU-based fulfilment options to streamline customs processes.
UK Postbox is uniquely prepared to help you and your business minimise the impact of the EU exporting surcharges. Whether you are shopping for yourself and could benefit from our Shop & Ship service, or your business trades across the world, UK Postbox will have a service suitable for your needs.
The batch forwarding feature in our platform has been updated to reflect the product identifier information.
If you have any questions when using the feature please use the message centre.
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