💡 Key Takeaways (AI Summary)
In 2026, the key AliExpress EU import rule is simple: orders up to €150 usually have VAT prepaid via IOSS plus a new €3 EU fee, while orders over €150 are typically taxed and customs-cleared on arrival.
💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- From July 1, 2026, the EU applies a fixed €3 customs-related fee to each AliExpress package valued under €150 across all member states.
- Orders up to €150 usually have VAT prepaid at checkout via IOSS, so buyers typically should not pay import VAT again on delivery.
- Orders over €150 are generally subject to customs clearance and additional taxes or duties upon arrival in the destination country.
- The key official threshold is €150 for EU low-value import treatment, with the new €3 fee added automatically at checkout for eligible parcels.
- From July 1, 2026, the EU adds a fixed €3 customs-related fee to each AliExpress package valued under €150, charged automatically at checkout across all EU member states.
- For AliExpress orders up to €150, VAT is usually prepaid through IOSS, which means buyers typically should not pay additional import VAT again at delivery.
- For orders above €150, VAT and customs duties are generally collected on arrival, and buyers may also face courier customs-clearance or representation fees.
- Higher-value imports over €150 may require an EORI number, while goods shipped from EU warehouses in countries like Spain, Poland, Germany, or the Czech Republic are generally delivered with no extra VAT or customs charges.
AliExpress VAT and Customs Duties in 2026
- New EU fee of €3 for packages valued under €150
- VAT is paid in advance for orders up to €150
- Orders shipped from EU warehouses are exempt from additional VAT and customs charges upon delivery
- Orders over €150 may require an EORI number and customs clearance/representation fees
VAT on orders up to €150
For orders valued at up to €150, VAT is usually paid in advance through the IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) system directly on AliExpress. This simplifies delivery and helps avoid additional VAT collection when the package arrives.
New EU fee for small packages
From July 1, 2026, a new fixed EU customs-related fee of €3 will apply to each package valued under €150. This fee is charged automatically at checkout and applies across all EU member states.
Orders over €150
For orders above €150, VAT and customs duties are generally paid when the goods arrive in your country. In this case, an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) may be required, along with customs representation or clearance fees charged by your chosen courier or postal operator.
Purchases from EU warehouses
Purchases shipped from European Union warehouses, such as those located in Spain, Poland, Germany, or the Czech Republic, are generally free from additional VAT and customs charges upon delivery. In practice, this means the applicable taxes and fees are already included on the site, so customers should not face extra import costs when receiving the order.
FAQ
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
A: Usually no. For orders up to €150, AliExpress typically collects VAT in advance via IOSS at checkout, so you normally should not be charged import VAT again when the package arrives.
A: Orders above €150 are generally imported under normal customs procedures, so VAT and any applicable customs duties are usually paid on arrival, and you may also need an EORI number plus courier or postal clearance fees.
✅ Pros
- Clear €150 threshold makes it easier to predict whether VAT is prepaid or collected on arrival.
- IOSS checkout handling usually reduces the risk of paying import VAT twice.
- The fixed €3 fee is transparent and automatically added at checkout for eligible low-value orders.
⚠️ What to consider
- Orders over €150 can still trigger customs clearance delays and additional import charges.
