Three major international shipping companies have urged European Union finance ministers to adopt a gradual implementation strategy for upcoming customs duty regulations affecting small-value shipments.
DHL, FedEx and UPS submitted their request on Friday, advocating for a stepped approach to the new rules rather than implementing all provisions simultaneously.
According to a correspondence reviewed by Reuters, the shipping giants stated: “We therefore call on Ministers to endorse a phased approach: proceed with the EUR 3 flat-rate duty per item from 1 July 2026, while deferring the more complex and unresolved elements until they are legally certain and operationally viable.”
The companies are seeking to have the straightforward flat-rate fee of 3 euros per package take effect as scheduled in July 2026, while pushing back more complicated aspects of the regulation until operational concerns can be addressed.
