Beware of scams around the new EU small parcel fee

The new EU small parcel fee is now in effect, and it is likely to create new opportunities for scammers. Fake text messages, emails, QR codes, and websites claiming you need to pay this customs fee can look convincing, particularly if you're expecting a delivery.

Here's what the new fee is, how it's supposed to work, and how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

Key takeaways:

The new small parcel fee applies to low-value orders from online retailers based outside the EU.
The fee is legitimate, but scammers may exploit it with fake payment requests.
Be suspicious of unexpected text messages, emails, or QR codes asking you to pay a parcel or customs fee.
Always verify payment requests through the retailer, courier, or official customs channels before paying.
Never click payment links in unsolicited messages.
Free tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Bitdefender Link Checker can help identify suspicious messages and links before you interact with them.

What is the new EU small parcel fee?

From July 1, 2026, the European Union introduced a new €3 fee on many low-value parcels worth less than €150 arriving from outside the EU. The change mainly affects purchases from online marketplaces and retailers based outside the European Union, such as Temu, Shein, AliExpress, and other international sellers.

According to the EU, the new fee is designed to:

create fairer competition for European retailers,
improve customs controls,
reduce the number of unsafe and counterfeit products entering the EU,
help customs authorities manage the growing number of small parcels arriving every day.

The charge applies to each customs classification within a shipment. For example, a parcel containing three different types of items would incur a total charge of €9, while a parcel containing multiple dresses ⁠or multiple toys would be charged €3.

Who pays the new EU small parcel fee?

The way the fee is collected depends on where you shop and which delivery company handles your order.

In some cases, the fee may be included when you complete your purchase. In others, it may be collected by the courier or as part of the customs process before your parcel is delivered.

But if you're asked to pay the fee through an unexpected text message, email, or QR code, verify the request with the retailer or delivery company before making any payment.

How scammers could exploit the new small parcel fee

The amount requested may be small enough that many people won't think twice before paying. In reality, the goal is often much bigger than stealing a few euros. Criminals may try to collect your credit card details, banking information, passwords, or other personal data that can be used in future scams.

Be especially cautious if you receive unexpected text messages, emails, delivery notifications, customs notices, or QR codes asking you to pay the new fee.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency by saying things like:

"Your parcel is being held until payment is received."
"Pay the new €3 EU parcel fee now."
"Your customs payment is overdue."
"Failure to pay today will result in your package being returned."

How to spot a fake small parcel fee scam

Here are a few warning signs that should make you stop and verify the request before paying.

Be cautious if:

you weren't expecting a parcel,
the sender's email address or phone number looks unusual,
the message pressures you to act immediately,
the payment link doesn't belong to the retailer, courier, or official customs website,
you're asked to provide unnecessary personal or banking information,
the message contains generic greetings or suspicious-looking links.

How to verify a small parcel fee payment request

Take a moment to verify the payment request, even if the amount is only a few euros.

Don't use the link in the message. Instead:

·visit the courier's website by typing the address into your browser,

·verify customs notifications through official government or customs websites,

·contact the delivery company if you're unsure whether payment is required.

Here are 2 completely free tools you can use:

Bitdefender Scamio - Bitdefender Scamio can analyze suspicious texts, screenshots, and links to help identify potential scams.

Bitdefender Link Checker - If the message contains a URL, Bitdefender Link Checker lets you safely check where the link leads before opening it.

What to do if you fall for the scam

If you've already clicked the link or entered payment details, act quickly.

·Stop entering any additional information.

·Contact your bank or card issuer immediately if you shared payment details.

·Change your password if you entered login credentials on a suspicious website.

·Monitor your bank accounts and online accounts for unusual activity.

·Report the phishing message to your local authorities or the impersonated delivery company.

·If you downloaded a file or app, run a security scan on your device.

As always, scammers are quick to exploit new rules and regulations to create convincing phishing campaigns. Before paying any unexpected customs or parcel fee, take a moment to verify the request through official channels. When you're unsure, it's always safer to double-check than to rush into making a payment.

FAQs

What is the new €3 customs charge?

The new €3 customs charge is a fee introduced by the European Union on many low-value parcels arriving from outside the EU. It mainly affects purchases from non-EU online retailers and marketplaces and is intended to improve customs controls and create fairer competition for European businesses.

Who has to pay the new €3 customs charge?

The charge applies to many parcels worth less than €150 shipped to the EU from outside the European Union. Depending on the retailer and courier, it may be collected during checkout, before delivery, or as part of the customs process.

What qualifies as a small parcel?

For the purposes of the new EU rules, a small parcel generally refers to a shipment valued at less than €150 arriving from outside the European Union. These low-value shipments are the ones most commonly affected by the new customs charge.

Why am I being charged a customs fee?

If you've ordered goods from outside the EU, your parcel may be subject to the new €3 customs charge. How and when you pay depends on the retailer, courier, and customs process. If you receive an unexpected payment request, always verify it before paying.

How do I know if a parcel fee payment request is legitimate?

Always verify the request through the retailer, courier, or official customs website. Avoid clicking links in unexpected text messages or emails, even if they appear to come from a delivery company.

What are the signs of a fake customs fee or parcel fee scam?

Warning signs include unexpected payment requests, pressure to act immediately, suspicious links, unusual sender addresses, and requests for personal or banking information. When in doubt, verify the request directly with the retailer or delivery company instead of using the link provided in the message.

What should I do if I clicked a fake parcel fee link?

If you entered payment or login details, contact your bank immediately, change any affected passwords, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, and report the phishing message. If you downloaded a file or app, run a security scan on your device.