EU customs rules require product IDs for eBay shipments starting November 1
eBay sellers shipping to the EU will need to provide product identifier data for all items sent from outside the bloc starting November 1. The EU will also impose a temporary €3 duty per item on low-value imports beginning July 1, with the charge set to last until July 1, 2028. Almost 5.9 billion low-value ecommerce items entered the EU in 2025, and over 60% of inspected cosmetics, toys and electronics failed to meet standards.
eBay will fulfill the merchant product identifier requirement using item's listing ID, while sellers must supply any GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN and, if known, a non‑standardized manufacturer product identifier (NS‑PID).
The changes are part of the EU's broader customs reform as low-value ecommerce imports continue to surge and authorities raise concerns about unsafe or non-compliant products. Product Identifier data could be supplied voluntarily beginning July 1, but becomes mandatory November 1.
What we know
New customs data requirements start November 1.
Temporary €3 duty per item on low-value imports begins July 1 and lasts until July 1, 2028.
Almost 5.9 billion low-value ecommerce items entered the EU in 2025.
Over 60% of inspected cosmetics, toys and electronics failed EU standards.
Product Identifier data could be supplied voluntarily beginning July 1 but becomes mandatory November 1.