New EU customs handling fee takes effect on November 1: what Omniva customers need to know
International technology and logistics group Omniva reminds that from 1 November 2026, a new 2 EUR handling fee by European Union will be applied to goods purchased online by private consumers and imported from countries outside the EU, regardless of the value of the goods, including purchases exceeding 150 EUR. Omniva explains what the new charge means for customers, how it will be applied and what to consider when shopping online.
Importantly, the 2 EUR fee will not be charged per parcel, but per goods item listed separately on the customs declaration. For example, if you order three pairs of trousers, the 2 EUR fee will apply. However, if you order trousers, a grass trimmer and a soup ladle in the same order, the fee will be 6 EUR, as these items fall into three different product categories. Several products may be grouped under one declaration line where customs rules allow it.
The handling fee is intended to cover costs related to customs supervision, including checking shipment information, assessing risks and carrying out customs controls. It is an EU charge, separate from Omniva’s customs declaration service fees and any applicable customs duties or value-added tax (VAT).
The new handling fee will be introduced in addition to the 3 EUR customs duty that came into effect in July 2026. Both charges may therefore apply to the same shipment.
Will customers need to declare their parcels themselves?
The customs clearance process will differ across the Baltic countries. In Latvia and Lithuania, customers receiving parcels delivered by Omniva will not need to complete customs declarations themselves. Customs formalities will be handled within the delivery process, as is already the case with the 3 EUR customs duty introduced in July.
In Estonia, customers may still need to complete customs clearance themselves in certain cases, depending on the shipment and the applicable customs procedure.
The introduction of the new handling fee does not automatically mean that customers will need to take additional steps to receive their parcels.
How will the new fee be paid?
The payment process will depend on the arrangements between the online retailer, marketplace and delivery service provider.
In some cases, the handling fee may already be included in the total price paid at checkout. In others, it may be collected during the customs clearance process.
If the seller has already collected the fee and arranged for its payment through the delivery chain, the recipient should not be charged the same fee again.
Omniva recommends checking which taxes and charges are included in the total purchase price before placing an order, particularly when shopping from online stores outside the European Union.
Be alert to fraudulent payment requests
The introduction of a new fee may also create opportunities for fraudsters to send fake payment requests claiming that additional charges must be paid before a parcel can be delivered.
Omniva reminds customers to verify unexpected payment requests through official channels and avoid clicking suspicious links received by SMS or email.
Customers should never share their banking PIN codes or approve authentication requests initiated by an unexpected phone call or message.
Frequently asked questions
When handling fee will be applied?
To all orders after November 1 and to orders placed before 1 November if the customs declaration is submitted on or after 1 November 2026.
Is the €2 handling fee charged per parcel or per product?
The fee is charged per goods item listed separately on the customs declaration, known as a declaration line, rather than per parcel or necessarily per physical product.
For example:
One declaration line: 2 EUR handling fee.
Three declaration lines: 6 EUR handling
Several products may be included in the same declaration line if they meet the applicable customs grouping requirements.
Does the new 2 EUR fee replace the 3 EUR customs duty introduced in July?
No. The 2 EUR handling fee is an additional charge and does not replace the 3 EUR customs duty introduced in July 2026.
For example, if a low-value parcel contains three declaration lines, each subject to both charges, the total would be 9 EUR in customs duty and 6 EUR in handling fees, before any applicable VAT.
Does the fee apply to purchases from Temu, AliExpress and other international marketplaces?
Yes, where the goods are imported into the EU from a non-EU country. The fee applies based on the import of goods from outside the European Union, rather than the name of the online marketplace.
Does the fee also apply to purchases worth more than 150 EUR?
Yes. The handling fee applies regardless of the value of the goods, including purchases exceeding 150 EUR.
Will I need to declare my parcel myself?
This depends on the destination country and the customs clearance arrangements.
In Latvia and Lithuania, customers receiving parcels delivered by Omniva will not need to complete customs declarations themselves.
In Estonia, customers may need to complete customs clearance in certain cases. If additional action is required, customers should follow the instructions provided through official channels.
Will I have to pay the handling fee separately when my parcel arrives?
Not necessarily. The fee may already have been collected by the online retailer or marketplace when the order was placed.
If it has not been collected in advance, payment may be required as part of the customs clearance process. The arrangements depend on the seller and delivery provider.
What if the online store has already collected the handling fee?
If the seller has collected the fee and arranged for its payment through the delivery chain, the same fee should not be collected again.
If you receive an unexpected payment request, check the details before making another payment.
Does the handling fee apply to gifts sent by friends or family outside the EU?
The handling fee does not apply to genuine gifts sent from one private individual to another. However, other customs rules and applicable taxes may still apply.
Will the handling fee be refunded if I return my purchase?
No. Once the customs declaration has been accepted, the EU handling fee is non-refundable, even if the purchased goods are subsequently returned to the seller.
How can I protect myself from fraudulent payment requests?
Fraudsters may use the introduction of the new handling fee as a reason to send fake customs or delivery payment notifications.
To protect yourself:
Check shipment information through Omniva’s official website or mobile app.
Avoid clicking payment links leading to unfamiliar websites.
Verify unexpected requests for additional payments, particularly if you believe the fee has already been paid.
Never disclose banking PIN codes or approve unexpected authentication requests.
If in doubt, contact Omniva through the contact details published on its official website.