New EU Import Rules in 2026: What Jewelry Brands and Buyers Need to Know

Updated: November 2026

International jewelry trade continues to change as governments introduce new customs requirements. For jewelry brands, retailers, and manufacturers, these changes can affect shipping costs, product pricing, and order planning.

One important development involves the European Union’s decision to remove the customs duty exemption for low-value imports.

Since July 1, 2026, the EU has applied a temporary €3 customs duty to qualifying low-value goods imported from countries outside the European Union.

Furthermore, a separate €2 EU handling fee took effect on November 1, 2026, under the new customs framework.

These changes matter to businesses that sell jewelry online and ship small orders directly to European customers.

They also raise practical questions for jewelry manufacturers in Indonesia, including Bali-based workshops that supply international brands.

In this article, we explain the new EU import rules, their potential impact on jewelry businesses, and the steps buyers and manufacturers can take to manage international shipments more effectively.

1. What Is the EU De Minimis Customs Exemption?

Before July 2026, the European Union allowed qualifying imported goods with an intrinsic value of €150 or less to enter without customs duty.

This exemption helped simplify customs processing for low-value shipments.

For example, a consumer purchasing a €100 silver necklace from a seller outside the EU could generally benefit from the customs duty exemption.

However, the exemption did not eliminate import VAT.

The EU had already removed the VAT exemption for low-value imported goods in July 2021.

Consequently, buyers and sellers still needed to consider VAT requirements even when the goods qualified for customs duty relief.

Why Did the EU Change the Rules?

European authorities identified several concerns with the growing number of small international parcels.

These included:

Increased pressure on customs processing systems.
Competition between EU businesses and overseas sellers.
Incorrect product declarations and undervaluation.
Product safety and compliance concerns.
Environmental issues linked to large volumes of small shipments.

The European Union introduced the new customs measures to address these issues and modernize its import system.

2. What Changed on July 1, 2026?

The EU removed its previous €150 customs duty exemption and introduced a temporary flat-rate duty for qualifying low-value imports.

The temporary duty applies to relevant imported goods in consignments with an intrinsic value not exceeding €150.

The EU calculates the charge according to the applicable product classification rather than simply counting every individual unit.

For example, five identical products under one tariff classification may attract one €3 duty charge.

However, a shipment containing products under two different tariff classifications may attract €6.

This distinction is important for jewelry sellers that ship different product categories together.

What About Jewelry Orders Above €150?

The temporary €3 arrangement targets qualifying low-value consignments.

Shipments above the €150 threshold follow the applicable standard customs tariff rules.

The actual duty rate depends on the product classification, origin, and any applicable preferential arrangements.

Jewelry businesses should not assume that all silver jewelry shipments attract the same customs duty.

3. A New €2 EU Handling Fee From November 2026

The customs duty change is not the only development.

The EU introduced a separate Union handling fee of €2 per item from November 1, 2026.

This fee helps cover customs supervision and processing expenses.

It operates separately from the temporary €3 customs duty.

Therefore, qualifying low-value e-commerce shipments can face both charges.

Importantly, these fees do not replace VAT or ordinary shipping charges.

Some shipments may also involve additional carrier service charges or other applicable costs.

Businesses should confirm the actual charges with their shipping provider before finalizing prices.

4. How the New EU Import Charges Can Affect Jewelry Purchases

Consider an online jewelry order from Indonesia to a customer in France.

The customer purchases a sterling silver ring with a declared intrinsic value of €100.

Assume the product falls under one applicable tariff classification and qualifies for the temporary customs duty arrangement.

The shipment may involve the following charges.

Cost component	Illustrative amount
Sterling silver ring	€100
Temporary customs duty	€3
EU handling fee	€2
Import VAT	Applicable
Shipping and carrier charges	As applicable

In this simplified example, the customs duty and EU handling fee total €5 before VAT and any other applicable charges.

The final amount may vary because VAT calculations can include additional elements, and specific customs procedures may affect the treatment of the shipment.

The responsible party must also consider the destination country’s VAT rate and the agreed shipping arrangement.

Why This Matters for Affordable Jewelry

For high-value jewelry, a small fixed charge may represent a relatively small percentage of the selling price.

However, fixed import costs have a greater impact on lower-priced items.

For example, an additional €5 represents 10% of a €50 product price, before considering VAT and other charges.

This can influence the final retail price and the customer’s purchasing decision.

Jewelry brands that specialize in affordable products should review their landed costs carefully.

5. Does the New Rule Apply to Jewelry Samples?

Jewelry manufacturers often send samples to international customers before beginning production.

A sample may help a brand evaluate design details, finishing, weight, and construction.

However, businesses should not assume that every sample shipment follows the same treatment as a normal online consumer purchase.

Commercial Samples and E-Commerce Orders Are Different

The temporary flat-rate rules primarily address qualifying low-value imported goods, especially distance sales.

A sample sent as part of a manufacturer-to-business relationship may follow a different customs procedure.

Likewise, a commercial wholesale order can involve standard import declarations and customs duty rules.

The correct treatment depends on the circumstances and applicable customs provisions.

What Should Manufacturers Do?

Manufacturers should describe samples accurately on shipping documents.

The invoice should identify the products, their materials, quantity, value, and intended purpose.

If a shipment qualifies for special treatment, the sender and importer should follow the relevant legal requirements.

Simply writing “sample” or “no commercial value” does not automatically remove customs obligations.

For jewelry manufacturers, accurate documentation offers a safer approach than assuming a shipment will qualify for an exemption.

6. What About Wholesale Jewelry Orders?

Wholesale jewelry transactions often differ from consumer e-commerce purchases.

A European jewelry brand may order 50 silver rings, 100 pendants, or a mixed collection from an overseas manufacturer.

The shipment may exceed the €150 threshold and require standard customs treatment.

In these cases, the importer should consider:

The correct customs classification.
The declared customs value.
Applicable customs duty rates.
Import VAT.
Country-of-origin requirements.
Any applicable preferential tariff arrangements.
Shipping and customs clearance expenses.

The final cost depends on the shipment and its customs treatment.

Why Accurate Pricing Matters

A manufacturer may quote a production price without including import taxes or destination customs charges.

The buyer must then calculate the full landed cost.

For example, a jewelry brand should consider manufacturing costs, shipping, insurance where applicable, import duties, VAT, and clearance expenses.

This calculation helps businesses establish realistic retail prices and protect their margins.

7. New Product Identification Requirements for EU Customs

Another important part of the EU customs changes concerns product identification.

From November 1, 2026, new Product Identifier requirements apply to relevant import distance-sale declarations.

These identifiers help customs authorities recognize products and improve traceability.

The FedEx guidance identifies three categories of product information.

Merchant Product Identifier

A merchant product identifier is the seller’s unique product reference.

It may take the form of a stock keeping unit (SKU), product code, or item number.

For example, a jewelry brand might identify a particular ring design through an internal code such as SR-001.

Non-Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier

This identifier comes from the manufacturer or supplier.

It allows the seller and customs authorities to connect the product to a specific manufacturing reference.

For custom jewelry, manufacturers may already use internal item codes for production planning.

Standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier

Some products also carry standardized identifiers assigned through recognized international systems.

These may include suitable barcode-based identifiers.

However, not every handmade or custom jewelry product has such an identifier.

Businesses should provide the relevant identifiers according to the applicable customs declaration requirements and the information available for the product.

8. Why Jewelry Manufacturers Should Organize Their Product Information

Jewelry manufacturers often produce many similar designs.

A workshop may manufacture different sizes, gemstones, finishes, and metal options for one jewelry collection.

Without clear product references, mistakes can occur during production and shipping.

For example, a customer may order the same ring in three sizes and two finishes.

If the workshop uses unclear descriptions, employees may confuse the variations.

A Practical Jewelry Product Record

Manufacturers can organize each product using information such as:

Field	Example
Product code	PLM-RG-001
Product description	Sterling silver ring
Material	Sterling Silver 925
Quantity	10 pieces
Ring size	US 7
Finish	High polish
Country of origin	Indonesia, if supported by the origin rules
Customs tariff code	Verified classification
Manufacturer reference	Internal production code

These records support production control, customer communication, and shipping documentation.

They also make it easier to provide accurate product information when carriers or customs authorities request it.

The sample codes above are illustrative, not official customs identifiers.

9. How Should Jewelry Brands Prepare for the New EU Rules?

Jewelry brands that import products from outside the EU should review their shipping procedures.

A few practical improvements can reduce confusion and unexpected costs.

Step 1: Review Your Product Prices

Calculate the cost of each imported product, including applicable duties, handling charges, and other expenses.

Avoid relying only on the supplier’s production quotation.

Step 2: Confirm the Correct Customs Classification

Jewelry products may differ in materials and construction.

For example, sterling silver jewelry, imitation jewelry, and other accessories may fall under different tariff classifications.

The correct classification influences customs treatment.

Step 3: Maintain Accurate Product Codes

Assign a clear reference to every design and relevant variation.

Use consistent information across invoices, production documents, and inventory systems.

Step 4: Review Your Shipping Terms

Confirm who will act as the importer and who will handle duties, VAT, and customs clearance.

The agreed Incoterms and shipping arrangements can affect how commercial responsibilities are allocated.

Step 5: Communicate With Your Customers

Customers appreciate clear information about possible import costs.

A buyer who understands the shipping terms is less likely to encounter unexpected charges.

Step 6: Consult Your Carrier or Customs Representative

Customs rules can involve technical conditions and exceptions.

A qualified customs adviser or shipping provider can help determine the correct procedures for a particular shipment.

10. What These Changes Mean for Jewelry Manufacturers in Bali

Bali has a long tradition of silver and gold jewelry craftsmanship.

Today, manufacturers in Gianyar and surrounding areas supply jewelry designs to customers in many international markets.

Some businesses produce small quantities for independent designers.

Others manufacture collections for retailers and wholesalers.

The new EU import requirements create additional administrative considerations for these businesses.

Small Orders Need More Careful Planning

A jewelry designer may request only a few pieces for an initial collection.

Manufacturers and buyers should consider how customs charges affect the total cost of these small orders.

The same applies when a workshop sends individual samples.

Better Documentation Supports International Trade

Clear invoices and product descriptions help shipping providers process international parcels.

Consistent product codes also reduce misunderstandings between manufacturers and buyers.

Communication Matters

Manufacturers should explain what their quoted prices include.

Buyers should understand whether shipping charges, duties, VAT, and destination expenses form part of the quotation.

This transparency can strengthen long-term business relationships.

11. Our Perspective at Puri Lautan Mutiara

At Puri Lautan Mutiara (PLM), we have worked in jewelry manufacturing in Bali since 1998.

Our workshop operates in Singapadu, Gianyar, near the traditional jewelry-making area of Celuk.

We work with international jewelry designers, brands, retailers, and wholesalers.

Our manufacturing capabilities include sterling silver jewelry, brass jewelry, selected gold jewelry, wax modeling, casting, hand fabrication, gemstone setting, and finishing.

We also use CAD and 3D printing when appropriate.

International orders form an important part of our business.

Therefore, shipping requirements and customs procedures remain practical considerations for both our workshop and our customers.

Changes in European import regulations remind us of the importance of accurate product information and clear communication.

As a small jewelry manufacturer, we believe that reliable service involves more than making the finished product.

It also involves preparing suitable documentation, confirming shipment arrangements, and helping customers understand the manufacturing process.

However, importers and buyers should always confirm their own customs and tax obligations with the appropriate authorities or professional advisers.

Learn more about our Custom Jewelry Manufacturing Services.

12. Will the EU Import Rules Change Again?

The current €3 customs duty forms part of a temporary arrangement.

The EU expects to move toward a broader customs system that applies normal product-based tariff rates.

The current transitional arrangement is scheduled to run until July 1, 2028, subject to any future changes.

Additional customs guidance may also affect practical implementation.

For this reason, jewelry businesses should review official information regularly.

An import cost calculation from one year may no longer apply under future rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EU still allow duty-free imports below €150?

The previous general low-value customs duty exemption ended on July 1, 2026. A temporary €3 duty now applies to qualifying low-value imports, subject to the relevant rules and exceptions.

Is the €3 duty charged on every piece of jewelry?

Not necessarily. The temporary duty applies according to the relevant customs classification rather than simply counting every physical unit.

Does the €2 handling fee replace customs duty?

No. The Union handling fee is separate from customs duty and VAT.

Does VAT still apply to low-value jewelry imports?

Yes. The EU removed its low-value import VAT exemption in 2021. The current customs duty changes do not remove VAT obligations.

Do the new rules apply to jewelry shipments from Indonesia?

Relevant shipments from Indonesia to the EU may fall under the new requirements. The actual treatment depends on the shipment type, value, classification, and customs procedure.

Are jewelry samples automatically exempt?

No. A shipment does not become duty-free simply because the sender describes it as a sample. Any special treatment requires the applicable conditions to be met.

Are wholesale jewelry orders treated the same as online consumer orders?

Not always. Wholesale B2B imports may follow different customs procedures and standard duty rules.

What product information should jewelry exporters prepare?

Exporters should maintain accurate descriptions, material details, product codes, values, quantities, origin information, and appropriate customs classifications.

Conclusion: Better Preparation for International Jewelry Trade

The European Union’s 2026 customs changes affect the way businesses manage low-value international shipments.

The removal of the €150 customs duty exemption, the temporary €3 duty, and the new €2 handling fee create additional considerations for online jewelry sellers and importers.

New product identification requirements also place greater importance on accurate product records.

For jewelry brands, these developments highlight the need to calculate landed costs carefully.

For manufacturers, they reinforce the importance of clear invoices, consistent product codes, and reliable shipping communication.

Not every jewelry shipment will receive identical customs treatment.

Therefore, buyers and sellers should review each transaction according to its actual circumstances.

At Puri Lautan Mutiara, we believe that good international manufacturing partnerships depend on transparency, practical planning, and clear communication.

Planning to manufacture sterling silver or custom jewelry in Bali?

Contact Puri Lautan Mutiara to discuss your jewelry designs, sampling requirements, and production plans.

Puri Lautan Mutiara — Custom Jewelry Manufacturing in Bali Since 1998.

Sources and Important Notice

This article draws on the FedEx publication EU De Minimis Removal — Effective July 1, 2026: What You Need to Know, together with updated guidance from European Union institutions.

Official references:

This article provides general information, not legal or tax advice. Customs requirements may vary by transaction and can change over time. Please confirm applicable procedures with your customs authority, carrier, or qualified adviser before shipping.