From January 2027, new customs regulations in the Eurasian Economic Union will change how duty-free thresholds and import duties are calculated, potentially increasing costs for online shoppers despite headline reductions, as full-value duties and rising VAT may offset initial savings.
From January 1, 2027, cross-border online shopping in the Eurasian Economic Union is set to be rewritten. The Eurasian Economic Commission has approved a new customs framework that keeps the duty-free threshold at €200 but cuts the import duty on higher-value parcels to 5%, down from 15%, with a minimum charge of €1 per kilogram. At first glance, that looks like a clear win for buyers ordering phones, watches and other electronics from abroad. But the detail that matters most is how the duty is calculated: once a parcel goes over the €200 limit, the 5% rate applies to the full value of the order, not just the amount above the threshold.
That distinction changes the maths sharply. Under the new rules, a €250 order would attract duty on the full €250, rather than on the €50 above the allowance. The effect is to make slightly over-limit purchases more expensive than many shoppers may expect, even though the headline rate is lower. The EEC’s January 2026 decision and later reporting by Interfax both described the same structure, which suggests the formula is settled rather than a matter of interpretation.
The broader trend is not confined to the EAEU. The European Union has already moved to tighten the treatment of low-value imports, first through a Council decision in February 2026 and then through Commission guidance in June. Those measures end the old duty-free treatment for small parcels, replacing it with a flat €3 customs charge on low-value e-commerce imports until July 1, 2028. Brussels said the aim was to support local businesses and reduce what it sees as unfair competition from duty-free imports entering in large volumes.
For Russia, customs duty is only part of the story. The Finance Ministry sent a draft package to the government in April 2026 that would add value added tax to cross-border e-commerce goods as well. Under that proposal, the rate would begin at 7% in 2027, rise to 14% in 2028 and reach 22% from 2029. That is not yet law, but it shows the direction of travel: the system is likely to become more expensive after the initial duty cut, not less.
In practical terms, the first year of the new regime may still be manageable for buyers of expensive devices, particularly if VAT starts at a low rate. But the advantage is likely to narrow quickly as tax rates rise. Smaller purchases under €200 should remain the safest option, while larger orders will need closer comparison against domestic prices and parallel imports. For shoppers, the main lesson is simple: the lower duty rate does not automatically mean cheaper imports, because the full-value calculation and any future VAT can outweigh the apparent saving.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
