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EU Product Identifiers: What You Need to Know Before 1st November 2026

Following the introduction of the €3 customs duty on B2C parcels valued under €150 entering the EU earlier this year, another EU customs rule will come into effect on 1 November 2026. 

Understanding the new requirements can help you get ready ahead of time and avoid unnecessary delays or parcels held at the border.

Our guide explains what’s changing and when, what the new requirements mean, who will be affected, and what your business may need to do to prepare.

14 October 2026

Author: Parcel2Go.com

A Timeline of EU Customs Changes 

2026 has already brought several customs changes in the EU.

  • In March, France introduced a €2 national handling fee on non-EU shipments worth €150 or less, excluding gifts. 

  • In July, the EU followed with a flat €3 customs fee that applies to every item within a parcel.

  • Now, from 1 November, new EU product identifiers will also be required. 

Find out more about the EU customs changes, and see how they may affect your business and deliveries.

What Are the New EU Product Identifiers?

EU Product Identifiers (PIDs) are barcode-style codes, like a GTIN, ISBN or EAN, that show exactly what’s inside your parcel. Every item in a parcel heading to the EU will need its own PID and a detailed description, whatever the parcel’s value. 

Why Are EU Product Identifiers Being Introduced?

PIDs let customs track products across lots of shipments, instead of relying on random spot checks. If one item is found to break the rules, customs can quickly find every other parcel carrying the same PID and act on those too.

Get your PIDs right, and your parcels should clear customs quicker and more smoothly! 

The Two Types of EU Product Identifiers

There are two types of PIDs that need to be provided for parcels entering the EU from 1 November 2026. Where a PID is not available, an appropriate exemption code must be declared instead.

Merchant PID (M-PID) or SKU -  A SKU is a code you choose. It only has to make sense for your products, and the same product keeps the same SKU across your listings. 

Manufacturer PID (NS-PID) - Your supplier's or manufacturer's part number.

How to Prepare For the New EU Rules Ahead of 1 November

While the new EU product identifiers may seem complicated, a few steps now can help your business avoid disruption when the rules come into effect on 1 November 2026.

  • Review your product data: Check that brand names, manufacturer details and product identifiers (where available) are accurate and up to date.

  • Update your product catalogue: Add any missing product information to your platform.

  • Speak with your shipping partners: Confirm how carriers, marketplaces and shipping platforms will support the new requirements.

  • Send Delivery Duty Paid (DDP): Paying duties upfront means your recipient isn’t charged on delivery, as they would be with Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU).

  • Factor in the €3 customs fee: The EU’s flat €3 fee has applied since July 2026, so include it in your pricing.

Parcels that don’t include the required product data could be held at customs, so review your product information before the rules take effect.

Want to know more about the changes to EU customs? Read our EU customs changes guide to find more information on what they mean and how it affects you. 

How Parcel2Go Can Help With EU Product Identifiers

From 1 November, EU product identifiers (PIDs) must be included with your shipment information, so accurate and complete product details matter more for every parcel you send.

How to find your SKUs: Check your marketplace listings (on platforms such as eBay, Etsy and Shopify), stock spreadsheet or inventory system, as these often have a SKU field. If you don’t have one, you can make one up.

How to find your manufacturer PIDs: Look at the item’s packaging, ask your supplier, check GS1 UK if you’re a brand owner, or look at marketplace product data.

Can’t find a manufacturer PID? When booking with Parcel2Go, we’ll create the SKU for you, and you can assign your own code if you can’t find a manufacturer PID. This is useful for items like vintage or second-hand pieces, where the original PID may no longer exist. If you made the item yourself, you are the manufacturer, so you can assign your own code as well.

Looking for a simple way to ship to the EU? Get a quote with Parcel2Go and compare couriers to find the right option for your parcel.