SingPost to change customs arrangements for shipments to 16 EU destinations
Duties and fees will be calculated before dispatch from Nov 1, as the EU adds a 2 euros handling charge for e-commerce imports.
Commercial parcels sent through Singapore Post to 16 EU destinations will come under its Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) framework starting Nov 1. The postal operator said the switch is aimed at limiting border delays and rejected shipments, while reducing surprise tax bills for recipients.
The change coincides with an extra EU handling charge of 2 euros on e-commerce imports, in addition to any customs duties and value-added tax (VAT). In July, the bloc abolished its customs duty exemption of 150 euros and brought in a temporary duty of 3 euros for low-value imports.
With DDP, charges are worked out before a parcel is sent, replacing collection from the recipient at delivery. France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among the destinations covered. For the other 11 EU member states, current arrangements will continue until their postal operators are ready.
SingPost has incorporated technology from Zonos into ezy2ship, enabling automated duty calculations and electronic customs declarations. The platform will help senders supply product identifiers, descriptions and customs codes without first uploading product catalogues.
Business customers using Speedpost Saver or SpeedPost Priority (EU) will have automated data checks between systems and retrospective billing. Chief operating officer Neo Su Yin said the changes would make costs clearer for Singapore businesses and retail senders while helping them comply with evolving European regulations.
In participating destinations, personal gifts with a value no higher than 45 euros will retain their exemption from customs duties and VAT.
