Nicosia, Cyprus. Consumers in Cyprus ordering goods from outside the European Union will begin paying a temporary €3 customs duty per product category from July 1, 2026. The Customs Department has issued practical examples ahead of the change to explain how the new rules will apply.
New customs framework
The guidance comes before the implementation of a new European Union customs framework that removes the exemption from customs duties on low-value consignments worth less than €150 arriving from non-EU countries.
Under the new system, a temporary flat-rate duty of €3 per product category included in a shipment will apply to goods purchased online from third countries.
The measure will remain in force until July 1, 2028. After that date, standard customs duties based on the specific classification of goods will be introduced.
Examples issued by the Customs Department
According to the Customs Department, a consumer purchasing a parcel from Asia containing three different items, such as a blouse, a pair of earrings and a keyring, will pay €3 for each category of product, bringing the total customs charge to €9.
In addition, VAT will be calculated on the total value of the shipment, including the customs duty.
The department also gave an example of a parcel containing a silk blouse and a cotton T-shirt.
Although both items are clothing products, they are treated as different categories for customs purposes.
As a result, the consumer would be charged €6 in customs duties, equivalent to €3 for each category, plus VAT on the total value including the duty.
