EU Makes Product Identifier (PID) Declarations Mandatory from November 1, 2026: New Customs Rules for B2C Parcels Under €150

The European Union has introduced stricter customs declaration requirements for low-value e-commerce shipments. Effective November 1, 2026, Product Identifiers (PIDs) are mandatory at the individual product-line level for qualifying business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments imported into the EU with an intrinsic consignment value not exceeding €150.

The new requirement represents an important change for Chinese exporters, online retailers, cross-border e-commerce businesses, and logistics providers shipping goods from China to European consumers.

For companies using DDP shipping from China to Europe, accurate product identification, customs documentation, and import cost management have become increasingly important.

What Changed Under the EU Customs Rules on November 1, 2026?

The new PID requirement forms part of the EU's broader customs reform, which aims to strengthen product traceability, improve customs supervision, and ensure that imported products comply with European market standards.

Previously, customs declarations generally relied on information such as product descriptions, shipment values, quantities, country of origin, and Harmonized System (HS) codes.

Under the updated rules, qualifying B2C e-commerce shipments must also include specific Product Identifiers for each relevant product line.

Which Shipments Are Affected?

The mandatory PID declaration requirement generally applies to:

• B2C e-commerce shipments imported into the EU from non-EU countries, including China.

• Distance sales of imported goods with an intrinsic consignment value of €150 or less.

• Products sold through online marketplaces, independent e-commerce websites, and other qualifying distance-selling channels.

• Shipments destined for consumers in any of the 27 EU member states.

Typical B2B commercial transactions that do not qualify as distance sales of imported goods are outside the scope of this specific PID requirement.

The rules are not limited to shipments originating in China. They apply to qualifying imports from non-EU countries generally.

What Are Product Identifiers (PIDs)?

Product Identifiers are codes used to identify specific products, models, or articles within a supply chain.

They help customs authorities and market surveillance bodies trace imported products and identify potential compliance risks.

Under the updated EU customs requirements, three categories of Product Identifiers are relevant.

1. Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID) — Mandatory

The Merchant Product Identifier is assigned by an online seller, marketplace, or retailer.

Examples include:

• Seller SKU numbers

• Marketplace listing IDs

• Internal product reference numbers

The M-PID enables customs authorities to identify the product within the merchant's commercial system.

2. Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID) — Mandatory

The Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier is assigned by the manufacturer, producer, or supplier.

Examples include:

• Manufacturer model numbers

• Factory product codes

• Part numbers

• Supplier reference numbers

This identifier connects the imported product with its manufacturing or supplier information.

3. Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier (S-PID) — Required When Available

Standardized identifiers are based on internationally recognized product identification systems.

Common examples include:

• GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)

• EAN (European Article Number)

• UPC (Universal Product Code)

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

Where an applicable standardized identifier exists, it should also be included in the customs declaration.

Importers and exporters should ensure that these identifiers correspond to the actual goods being shipped.

How Do the New Rules Affect Customs Clearance for Parcels Under €150?

More Detailed Product-Level Declarations

The new regulation requires greater accuracy in electronic customs data.

For example, if a parcel contains different types of electronic accessories, each relevant product line must include its applicable identifiers.

A general description such as "electronic accessories" is not sufficient to replace the required product identification information.

Sellers should ensure that product identifiers match the commercial invoice, product description, quantity, declared value, and HS classification.

Potential Customs Delays for Incomplete Information

Missing, inconsistent, or inaccurate PID information may result in customs authorities requesting additional documentation.

Depending on the circumstances, shipments may experience:

• Additional customs verification

• Delays in import clearance

• Requests to correct declaration data

• Shipment returns or further inspections

For cross-border sellers handling frequent orders, these disruptions may affect delivery schedules and customer satisfaction.

Additional Customs Costs for Low-Value Imports

The PID requirement is part of a wider series of EU customs changes.

Since July 1, 2026, the EU has applied a temporary €3 customs duty per applicable goods category to qualifying low-value e-commerce imports.

This charge is calculated according to customs tariff classification rather than simply charging €3 for every individual physical unit or parcel.

From November 1, 2026, the EU has also introduced a separate €2 handling fee per applicable item under its updated customs framework.

These charges are distinct from one another and from import VAT.

Businesses exporting goods from China to Europe should review their landed-cost calculations to account for the applicable duties, handling fees, VAT, and logistics expenses.

What Should Chinese Exporters and E-Commerce Sellers Do?

Review Product Codes and SKU Information

Exporters should examine their product databases and identify whether merchant and manufacturer product codes are available.

Each applicable product line should have consistent identifiers that can be supplied to logistics providers and customs declarants.

Prepare Accurate Customs Documentation

Commercial invoices and electronic shipment data should contain complete and accurate information, including:

• Product descriptions and quantities

• Declared values and currency

• Appropriate HS codes

• Country of origin

• Required Product Identifiers

• Relevant seller, importer, and consignee information

Depending on the goods and shipping arrangements, additional compliance documentation may also be necessary.

Coordinate with Your Freight Forwarder

Before dispatching B2C shipments to the EU, sellers should confirm that their logistics providers can collect and transmit the required PID information.

Businesses using China-to-EU DDP freight services should also verify the applicable customs procedures, importer arrangements, tax responsibilities, and total delivery costs.

Early coordination can help reduce preventable documentation errors and improve shipment planning.

What Do the EU Customs Changes Mean for DDP Shipping from China to Europe?

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) is an international trade term under which the seller assumes extensive responsibility for arranging delivery and, subject to the agreed terms, handling import clearance and applicable import duties and taxes.

For Chinese businesses exporting to European markets, DDP shipping can provide greater visibility over logistics and import-related costs.

However, DDP does not exempt shipments from EU customs regulations.

The new Product Identifier requirements still apply when a shipment falls within the relevant B2C e-commerce rules.

Why Accurate Customs Data Matters for DDP Deliveries

For DDP shipments, incomplete product information can complicate customs clearance and create unexpected operational costs.

Exporters should therefore ensure that product identification data, declarations, import arrangements, and tax treatment are properly coordinated before shipment.

It is also important to distinguish the contractual responsibilities under DDP terms from the legal obligations of importers, declarants, and other parties under EU customs and VAT legislation.

Anyi International Freight Forwarding: Supporting China-to-Europe DDP Shipping

As a freight forwarding company specializing in DDP transportation from China to overseas markets, Anyi International Freight Forwarding understands the importance of reliable logistics planning and accurate shipping documentation.

With EU customs requirements becoming more detailed, Chinese exporters and cross-border e-commerce businesses need to pay closer attention to import compliance and total shipping costs.

Anyi International Freight Forwarding supports customers with China-origin international freight arrangements, DDP shipping coordination, and logistics planning tailored to their shipping requirements.

Our focus is to help businesses better understand transportation procedures, prepare shipment information, and coordinate practical delivery solutions.

For businesses shipping products from China to European destinations, selecting an experienced freight forwarding partner can help simplify logistics communication and reduce avoidable shipping complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About the EU PID Requirements

Is PID Mandatory for All Parcels Entering the EU?

No. The November 1, 2026 requirement specifically concerns qualifying B2C distance sales of imported goods with an intrinsic consignment value not exceeding €150. Other import shipments may be subject to different declaration requirements.

Do Chinese Exporters Need Both M-PID and NS-PID?

Yes. For qualifying shipments, the merchant product identifier and non-standardized manufacturer product identifier are mandatory. A standardized manufacturer identifier should also be supplied where one exists.

Does DDP Shipping Remove the Need for PID Declarations?

No. DDP is a delivery term and does not remove applicable EU customs data requirements. Qualifying B2C shipments must comply with the PID rules regardless of the shipping term used.

Are Low-Value Parcels Still Exempt from EU Customs Duties?

No. The former customs duty relief for qualifying low-value e-commerce imports was removed in July 2026. A temporary €3 duty per applicable goods category is now in place, subject to the relevant rules and exceptions.

How Can Sellers Reduce EU Customs Clearance Delays?

Sellers should maintain accurate product records, provide complete customs documentation, verify required identifiers, and coordinate with their customs and logistics service providers before shipping.

Conclusion

The EU's mandatory Product Identifier declaration rules, effective November 1, 2026, mark another important step toward more detailed customs supervision of cross-border e-commerce.

For Chinese exporters, the change highlights the growing importance of product traceability, accurate declaration data, and effective logistics coordination.

As European customs requirements evolve, businesses should review their shipping procedures and ensure that their customs data and cost calculations remain up to date.

Planning DDP shipping from China to Europe?

Contact Anyi International Freight Forwarding to discuss your shipping requirements and explore suitable international freight and DDP transportation solutions.

Regulatory note: This article provides general information based on published EU customs guidance as of November 3, 2026. Specific obligations, fees, exemptions, and clearance procedures depend on the shipment and applicable legislation. Businesses should verify current requirements with EU customs authorities or qualified customs professionals.