1. DO understand who is actually paying the fee
The responsibility of the €3 customs duty fee falls with the seller/declarant not the receiver. In practice brokers/shippers may pay this on behalf of the declarant so be sure that you have the necessary agreements/POA in place. If the customer suddenly sees an unexpected customs/admin charge at delivery, expect abandoned baskets, refused parcels, and customer service issues.
Map out clearly whether the fee is absorbed by the brand, carrier, marketplace, or end customer and communicate it early.
2. DON’T try to shoehorn your current B2C flow into a B2B2C solution
A B2B2C model changes the operational, customs, VAT, and customer ownership dynamics. Of course, a genuine B2B2C model with bona fide EU trading entity, legitimate transfer pricing and local sales and fulfilment is workable. Anything short of this is a huge risk and may create delays, compliance risks, fees and penalties as well as a poor customer experience when forced into a reseller/importer structure.
3. DO understand the difference between H1 and H7 clearance
The customs model you choose will directly impact cost, speed, data requirements, and eligibility.
H7 (typically IOSS)
H1
Choosing the wrong model can create postal and operational expense or customs friction.
4. DON’T think you need to change everything at once.
Take a “safety first” approach…. there is no sandbox for this
Avoid simultaneously changing:
The final implementation and operational guidance is yet to be published. Many postal operators are yet to confirm a process. Phase changes carefully so gaps can be identified and any problems can be isolated quickly.
5. DO model the total landed cost impact
The €3 charge is only part of the equation.
Brands should model:
Sometimes the operational overhead costs more than the charge itself.
6. DON’T assume all carriers will handle the change the same way
Different carriers and postal operators will implement processes differently.
Compare:
Carrier strategy may become a competitive advantage.
7. DO audit your product data quality
Poor HS codes, inaccurate values, or inconsistent product descriptions will create customs issues fast.
Now is the time to improve:
Clean data reduces clearance delays and intervention rates.
8. DON’T surprise customers at checkout or delivery
Unexpected charges destroy conversion and trust.
Be transparent about:
A slightly higher upfront price is often better than surprise delivery charges.
9. DO pressure test your returns process
Many brands focus on outbound customs but ignore reverse logistics.
Understand:
Returns can become disproportionately expensive under the new model.
10. DON’T wait until the last minute
July implementation timelines will create pressure across:
Brands that test early will have more routing flexibility and fewer CX related issues.
The brands that handle this transition best will treat it as:
The winning strategy is usually:
For ease we have created a Downloadable PDF summary of Top 10 Do's & Dont's