Knowledge base
How cross-border charges and customs holds work, and what the rules are in each country. Every point links to its source; anything we could not confirm is flagged.
Reviewed 9 Nov 2026 · v2026.11.12-r3 · 14 articles · 85 sources · FAQ (50 questions)
Countries
- United StatesNo de minimis, a new tariff stack since 24 Jul 2026, and duties on postal parcels.
- European Union€3 per item type since 1 Jul 2026, VAT from the first euro, a confirmed €2 handling fee from 1 Nov 2026, and national extras.
- United Kingdom (incl. Northern Ireland)£135 relief for now, duty above it, flat post fees and a 21-day window.
- CanadaC$20/40/150 thresholds, Canada Post's C$9.95 fee and a surtax on listed US-made goods.
- AustraliaA$1,000 border threshold with GST at checkout below it.
Buyer guides
- Why is my package held at customs in the US?What a US "held in customs" status means, the real CBP deadlines, carrier fees and what to do next. Sourced, Oct 2026.
- Royal Mail "Fee to Pay": what it is and how to check itWhy Royal Mail asks for a Fee to Pay on parcels from abroad, what it includes, the 21-day window, refunds via BOR286 and how to spot fake fee texts.
- Canada Post customs fee: what you pay and whyWhen Canada charges duty and tax on parcels, the Canada Post C$9.95 handling fee, courier brokerage, the US-goods surtax and how to dispute with Form B2G.
- The EU €3 customs duty on small parcels (2026)How the EU €3 duty per item works since 1 Jul 2026, with VAT, IOSS, the confirmed €2 fee and national extras.
- US de minimis suspended: what the $800 change meansThe US $800 duty-free de minimis is suspended for all countries and modes. What it means for parcels, which tariffs apply by origin and who collects them.
- The EU €2 handling feeLive since 1 Nov 2026: €2 per distinct item at any value, on top of the €3 duty. Never refunded. Worked example and sources.
- Italy’s €2 fee is postponed, and may be cancelledItaly’s €2 per consignment is not charged in December 2026. Possible from 1 Jan 2027. A budget bill proposes repeal.
Topics
- How import charges workThe three kinds of money you can be asked for at the border, and which value each is worked out on.
- De minimis: the 'too small to tax' limitsThresholds below which no duty or tax is collected at the border, and how they changed in 2026.
- Where it was made vs where it ships fromMost new tariffs follow the country of origin, not the shipping address.
- Post vs courierWhy the same parcel can cost differently by post or by courier.
- IOSS, DDP and prepaid dutiesPaying import tax at checkout instead of at the door.
- Types of customs holdsWhat the common tracking statuses mean, grouped by severity.
- Deadlines that actually applyStatutory and carrier clocks, not delivery predictions.
- Refunds and disputesRefuse, dispute or reclaim, by country.
- Customs fee scamsHow to tell a real import charge from a fake text.
What changed in this review (9 Nov 2026)
- US USPS $9.35 per dutiable item confirmed (Postal Bulletin 22693); not charged on inbound letters/flats since 12 Jul 2026. (about.usps.com)
- US UPS 2.5%, min $17.50 confirmed (from 7 Sep 2026); $12 extra if paid at the door. (ups.com)
- US Postal service: Canada Post lists all US services available; Finland's Posti still suspends goods. (posti.fi)
- EU €2 Union handling fee confirmed: live 1 Nov 2026, never refunded (OJ 22 Oct 2026). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
- FR Correction: France's €2 per item tax was abolished on 1 Jul 2026 (not 31 Dec). (douane.gouv.fr)
- IT Italy €2 per consignment postponed to 1 Jan 2027 (DL 193/2026). Possible: repeal proposed in A.C. 3174 art. 30. (normattiva.it)
- UK FedEx UK fee confirmed: greater of £12.90 or 2.5% (from 20 Jul 2026). UPS UK reported 3%, min £14.35 (unconfirmed). (fedex.com)
- CA DHL Express Canada: 2.75%, min C$18 (2026 guide). UPS/FedEx entry fees value-banded (unconfirmed). (mydhl.express.dhl)
- AU Above A$1,000: import processing charge A$50 and biosecurity charge A$48 (air) confirmed. (abf.gov.au)