New €3 Customs Duty on Low-Value Online Imports to Cyprus
From 1 July 2026, consumers in Cyprus ordering goods from outside the European Union will be subject to a temporary customs duty of €3 per product category on online purchases.
The new measure follows EU customs reforms abolishing the exemption on low-value consignments under €150 arriving from non-EU countries. The temporary flat-rate charge will remain in place until 1 July 2028.
For example:
- A parcel containing a blouse, earrings, and a keyring would attract a total customs charge of €9 (€3 per product category).
- Two identical cotton T-shirts would be treated as one product category, resulting in a single €3 charge.
VAT will also be calculated on the total value of the goods, including the customs duty.
Consumers may pay the duty either during the online checkout process or upon delivery, depending on whether the retailer collects the charge in advance.
Returning an item does not automatically entitle consumers to a refund of the customs duty. However, refunds may be considered by Customs in cases involving defective goods or items not matching the original order.
Consumers are advised to carefully review online retailers’ terms and conditions, confirm where goods are dispatched from, and check whether customs charges are included in the advertised price before making a purchase.
Existing exemptions remain unchanged for non-commercial gifts valued up to €45 sent between private individuals.
The new rules form part of wider EU customs reforms aimed at improving consumer protection, product safety, and ensuring fair competition within the rapidly growing e-commerce market.
This article has been adapted and summarised from an original report published by the Cyprus Mail: https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/06/25/what-you-need-to-know-before-shopping-outside-the-eu-in-cyprus?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1782386883
It is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or professional advice.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to the original publication and seek independent professional advice where appropriate.