We're miniature makers, not customs experts.

Unfortunately, since the UK left the EU, we've had to become a little of both. Every year seems to bring another change to the rules for selling into Europe, and while we work hard to keep up with them, we know it can be just as confusing for our customers. This page explains the latest changes and what they mean for ordering from Footsore Miniatures.

EU Union Customs Code (UCC) reforms. Changes for goods valued at or below EUR 150

Understanding the New EU Customs & Shipping Changes

At Footsore Miniatures, we're committed to continuing to supply our customers across Europe. However, over the last few years, selling goods from the UK into the European Union has become increasingly complex as new customs, tax and environmental regulations have been introduced.

We know many customers aren't aware of the requirements that UK businesses now have to meet, so we wanted to explain the latest changes in simple terms and how they may affect your orders.<

What's changing?

Changes to low-value parcels

From1 July 2026, the EU removed the customs duty exemption for parcels valued at €150 or less.

A new €3 customs duty now applies to low-value goods imported into the EU from businesses outside the EU. This charge is applied per customs item category (HS code) rather than simply per parcel. For example:

• An order containing several packs of the same miniatures (sharing the same HS code) would normally incur one €3 charge.
• An order containing miniatures, paints and books (different HS codes) could incur multiple €3 charges.

The EU has also announced that an additional EU-wide handling fee for e-commerce parcels is expected to be introduced later in 2026. Full details of how this will work have not yet been published.

These changes form part of a much wider reform of the EU's customs system, known as the Union Customs Code (UCC) reforms.

What does this mean for you?

The good news is that we are continuing to ship to customers throughout Europe.

However, depending on your country, you may now be asked to pay customs duties, VAT, handling charges or import fees before your parcel is delivered. These charges are collected by your country's customs authority or postal service—not by Footsore Miniatures.

At present, customers in countries including Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Poland and Romania are among those most likely to experience additional import charges, although requirements can change and may differ between EU member states.

We have also experienced occasional issues between Royal Mail and An Post (the Republic of Ireland's postal service), where some parcels have unfortunately been delayed or returned during the implementation of the new customs procedures. While these cases remain relatively uncommon, they are outside our control.

New packaging regulations

Alongside the customs reforms, the EU has also introduced new packaging compliance requirements for businesses selling goods into EU markets. These regulations increase the administrative and environmental compliance costs for UK exporters.

Although we will continue to absorb as much of these costs as possible, they will inevitably increase the overall cost of shipping goods into Europe. As a result, we expect to review our international postage prices in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still be able to order from Footsore Miniatures?

Absolutely. We remain committed to supplying our European customers and will continue shipping to as many EU countries as possible.

Will I have to pay additional charges?

Depending on your country and the contents of your order, your local customs authority or postal service may ask you to pay VAT, customs duties, handling charges or import fees before your parcel is delivered. 

Why can't Footsore pay these charges for me?

These charges are collected by customs authorities and postal operators within the EU. They are not retained by Footsore Miniatures, and the rules differ between member states. We use Royal Mail, who are doing their best to integrate into the myriad of different EU member states systems

Will postage prices increase?

Possibly. The combination of new customs procedures and packaging regulations has increased the cost of exporting from the UK. We will continue to keep our postage rates as competitive as possible and will only increase them where absolutely necessary.

Footsore's Pledge

Our European customers have supported us for many years, and we genuinely appreciate that support.

Our commitment is simple:

• Continue shipping to as many EU countries as possible.
• Keep our postage charges as fair as we can.
• Be transparent about any customs charges or delays that are outside our control.
• Keep this page updated as new regulations are introduced.

The rules for exporting to the EU continue to evolve, and we're adapting alongside them. Thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support while we navigate these changes together.

Mark Farr

Director

Last updated August 2026