Canada Post Service Suspension to Select EU Destinations

Effective July 1, 2026, the European Union introduced new customs requirements for certain low-value goods entering EU member countries.

As a result, Canada Post has temporarily suspended parcel acceptance to select European Union destinations while it updates its systems and processes to meet the new requirements.

What Changed With EU Customs Rules?

From July 1, 2026, the EU introduced a temporary customs duty for applicable low-value consignments valued at €150 or less.

Key changes include:

• A temporary €3 customs duty applies to applicable low-value goods entering the EU.
• The €3 amount is applied based on the different tariff-classified items/categories contained in the shipment, rather than simply once per package.
• Import VAT continues to apply where required.
• More detailed item-level customs data and compliance information may be required.
• The temporary €3 duty is scheduled to remain in place until July 1, 2028, when the EU plans to transition to its broader customs reform framework.

Certain exceptions can apply, including qualifying goods receiving preferential treatment under applicable trade agreements. Customs treatment ultimately depends on the goods and how they are entered into the EU.

Canada Post Service Suspension

Canada Post is currently not accepting parcels to the following EU destinations due to these new customs requirements:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Luxembourg
• Portugal

The suspension remains in place until further notice.

Canada Post continues to accept shipments to many other European Union destinations where its current customs-processing requirements can be supported.

What This Means for Your Shipment

If you're shipping to one of the affected destinations:

• Canada Post services may not be available when you create your shipment.
• Other couriers available through ShipTime may still provide service to the destination.
• Customs duties, VAT, brokerage, or other import charges may apply depending on the shipment.
• Complete and accurate product descriptions and customs information are especially important for EU-bound shipments.

When creating your shipment in ShipTime, compare the available courier options for your destination before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I create a Canada Post shipment to one of these countries?

Canada Post has temporarily suspended parcel acceptance to the affected destinations while it updates its systems and processes to meet the EU's new low-value shipment customs requirements.

Is the Canada Post suspension permanent?

No. Canada Post currently describes the suspension as temporary and until further notice.

The affected destination list may change as Canada Post updates its international services.

Can I still ship to Europe?

Yes. Canada Post continues to serve many European destinations.

If Canada Post is unavailable for your destination, other couriers available through ShipTime may still provide service.

What is the new €3 EU customs duty?

For applicable low-value consignments valued at €150 or less, the EU introduced a temporary €3 customs duty based on each different tariff-classified item/category in the shipment.

For example, multiple identical products under the same tariff classification may result in one €3 amount, while products falling under different tariff classifications can result in multiple €3 amounts.

Does import VAT still apply?

Yes. The new customs duty does not replace import VAT. VAT continues to apply according to the applicable EU rules.

Does the new rule apply to shipments valued over €150?

The temporary €3 low-value duty specifically addresses applicable consignments valued at €150 or less. Shipments above that threshold continue to be handled under the applicable standard EU customs rules.

Need Help Shipping to Europe?

If Canada Post is unavailable for your destination or you're unsure which courier options are available for your EU-bound shipment, contact our Heroic Support™ team. We can help you review the services available through ShipTime and clarify the shipment information you'll need to provide.

Not using ShipTime yet? Create a free ShipTime account to compare discounted shipping rates from multiple leading couriers in one place.