Netherlands Postpones E-Commerce Handling Fee Ahead of EU-Wide Customs Duty Introduction

The Dutch government has postponed its plans to introduce a national handling fee on e-commerce parcels arriving from outside the European Union, citing uncertainty over whether neighbouring countries will proceed with similar measures.

In a statement to the States General, Secretary of State for Tax Affairs Eugène Heijne confirmed the decision, explaining that earlier coordination with France, Belgium, and Luxembourg had faltered, making it unclear whether a consistent regional approach would emerge.

The move follows the EU Council’s decision in December to implement a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels (under €150) entering the bloc from July 2026.

The duty is stated to address customs pressures and level the playing field for EU sellers, serving as a bridge to a wider reform eliminating the current de minimis threshold.