EU Customs Changes (November 1, 2026): Product Identifiers and HS Code Fee
Starting November 1, 2026, the European Union requires a product code from the manufacturer for each item in shipments to consumers entering the EU, and is expected to add a new €2 customs fee per HS code. Cahoot sends this information automatically from your product data, so the key action for you is making sure every product you ship to the EU has a UPC and/or Barcode in the product editor.
What Is Changing for EU Shipments on November 1, 2026?
EU customs now requires product identifiers for each item in a shipment, including a code from the manufacturer such as a UPC barcode number. Without it, customs can delay, hold, or return the package.
Which Shipments Does the EU Product Identifier Requirement Apply To?
The requirement applies to a shipment when all of the following are true, at any order value:
- The shipment originates outside the EU and is going to an EU member country.
- The recipient is a consumer, not a business.
- The shipment is a sale of merchandise.
- The item is not in an exempt product category.
How Does Cahoot Send Product Identifiers to EU Customs?
Cahoot automatically adds product identifiers to the customs information on every international label, for both network sellers shipping from Cahoot warehouses and label software sellers creating their own labels. You do not need to enter anything on the label itself.
- SKU: Every product in Cahoot already has a SKU, so this is sent automatically as the merchant product identifier.
- UPC: Cahoot sends the UPC from the product editor as the manufacturer product code.
- Barcode: If the UPC is empty, Cahoot sends the product’s Barcode as the manufacturer product code instead.
How Do I Add a UPC to My Products for EU Shipments?
Check each SKU you ship to the EU and make sure the UPC is filled in. If the product has no UPC, make sure the Barcode field has the product's barcode number.
- Go to Products → All Products.
- Search for a SKU you ship to the EU and click Edit.
- Enter the product's UPC. If the product has no UPC, confirm the Barcode field is filled in.
- While you're there, confirm the For International Shipping fields are complete: Country of Origin, Harmonized Code, Manufacturer, and Brief Product Description.
- Click Save.
For detailed steps on the international fields, see Configure Products for International Shipping.
What Is the €2 EU HS Code Fee?
Starting November 1, 2026, the EU is expected to charge a €2 fee for each HS6 code (the first six digits of the Harmonized Code) on a shipment. Accurate Harmonized Codes on your products help make sure this fee and any duties are assessed correctly.
International shipments through Cahoot are set to DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) by default. Under DDU, the recipient may be asked to pay VAT, duties, and the €2 HS code fee to the carrier before the package is delivered.
For how customers pay customs charges and suggested customer messaging, see Understanding International Customs Charges - DDU Payment Process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EU Customs Changes
What if my product doesn't have a UPC?
Cahoot uses the product's Barcode value instead. Make sure the Barcode field in the product editor has the product's barcode number. If a product has neither a UPC nor a Barcode, Submit Ticket before shipping it to the EU.
Does this apply to shipments to the UK, Canada, or other non-EU countries?
No. The product identifier requirements and the €2 HS code fee apply to shipments into EU member countries. Other countries have their own customs rules.
Do I need to change how I create international labels?
No. Your label workflow stays the same. Customs forms are printed and attached the same way as before. The only action needed is keeping the UPC or Barcode filled in on your products.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about your product data or labels in Cahoot, Submit Ticket. For questions about customs charges on a specific package, the recipient should contact the carrier directly using the tracking number.
This article will be updated as carriers and the EU release further guidance.