EU customs notice says product identifiers are now mandatory for distance-sale imports
The European Commission says customs declarations for goods sold in distance sales to EU buyers must include product identifiers from November 1.
What the record says
Product identifiers became mandatory November 1 for customs declarations covering goods sold in distance sales to EU buyers, the European Commission said in a November 3 notice. The notice describes three identifiers: a merchant reference for the offer on a selling platform, a manufacturer’s own model or product reference, and a standardized identifier such as an EAN, UPC or ISBN. Where a product has no standardized identifier, the declaration must indicate that using an exemption code. The Commission says platforms and manufacturers pass the information through the supply chain, while the declarant reports it to customs. It says the identifiers are intended to help authorities trace products and identify safety or compliance risks. Voluntary reporting began July 1. The Commission says the November requirement is now mandatory and enforced.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Businesses handling covered EU shipments can consult the Commission’s linked guidance and their customs representative.
Limits and what is not established
This notice concerns covered distance-sale goods and customs declarations. It does not establish a new tax rate or determine the obligations of a particular shipment.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
European Commission DG Taxation and Customs Union: original information