From today, July 1 2026, every parcel worth under €150 that arrives in Cyprus from a non-EU retailer such as Temu, Shein or AliExpress is automatically subject to a €3 customs duty. The measure, adopted by the EU Council last year, ends the decades-old ‘de minimis’ exemption that had allowed low-cost items to enter the bloc tax-free. Cyprus’ Customs Department confirmed the new rule in a circular issued late on Tuesday, stressing that the fee is charged per product category. For example, a shipment containing a T-shirt, a phone case and a pair of earrings will incur a €9 duty because each item belongs to a different tariff group.
In practical terms, most online marketplaces registered in the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system will collect the fee at checkout. Consumers using platforms that are not IOSS-compliant, or purchasing from individual sellers, will have to settle the amount with Cyprus Post or their courier before delivery.
According to the Customs Department, parcels on which the fee is unpaid will be held for 30 days before being returned to sender.
For individuals and businesses that also need to manage Cyprus visa or residency paperwork, VisaHQ provides a convenient online solution. Their dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers step-by-step guidance on applications, documents and embassy appointments, helping customers stay fully compliant while they focus on new customs requirements like the €3 parcel duty.
![EU Introduces €3 Flat Customs Duty on All Low-Value Parcels Entering Cyprus]()
The European Commission says the flat duty is a temporary solution until its new “Customs Data Hub” is operational in 2028. Brussels estimates that up to 1 billion small parcels a year escape customs duty under the old rules, depriving member-state budgets of more than €7 billion annually.
Cyprus, whose e-commerce volumes have soared since the pandemic, is expected to recoup several million euros in extra revenue during the 30-month interim period. For businesses, the change creates both compliance headaches and opportunities. Cypriot logistics firms are gearing up for higher throughput at the parcel terminals of Larnaca and Limassol, while local online retailers hope the new charge will narrow the price gap with Asian competitors.
Multinational employers with assignees in Cyprus are being advised to update employee expense policies, because personal online orders delivered to company addresses will now trigger the duty. Tax advisers also point out that the €3 levy is separate from VAT and, where applicable, excise tax. A low-value parcel can therefore attract multiple charges.
Companies that import spare parts or promotional merchandise in small consignments should review their landed-cost calculations and consider bulk shipping to reduce the duty burden.
In practical terms, most online marketplaces registered in the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system will collect the fee at checkout. Consumers using platforms that are not IOSS-compliant, or purchasing from individual sellers, will have to settle the amount with Cyprus Post or their courier before delivery.
According to the Customs Department, parcels on which the fee is unpaid will be held for 30 days before being returned to sender.
For individuals and businesses that also need to manage Cyprus visa or residency paperwork, VisaHQ provides a convenient online solution. Their dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers step-by-step guidance on applications, documents and embassy appointments, helping customers stay fully compliant while they focus on new customs requirements like the €3 parcel duty.
The European Commission says the flat duty is a temporary solution until its new “Customs Data Hub” is operational in 2028. Brussels estimates that up to 1 billion small parcels a year escape customs duty under the old rules, depriving member-state budgets of more than €7 billion annually.
Cyprus, whose e-commerce volumes have soared since the pandemic, is expected to recoup several million euros in extra revenue during the 30-month interim period. For businesses, the change creates both compliance headaches and opportunities. Cypriot logistics firms are gearing up for higher throughput at the parcel terminals of Larnaca and Limassol, while local online retailers hope the new charge will narrow the price gap with Asian competitors.
Multinational employers with assignees in Cyprus are being advised to update employee expense policies, because personal online orders delivered to company addresses will now trigger the duty. Tax advisers also point out that the €3 levy is separate from VAT and, where applicable, excise tax. A low-value parcel can therefore attract multiple charges.
Companies that import spare parts or promotional merchandise in small consignments should review their landed-cost calculations and consider bulk shipping to reduce the duty burden.
