EU customs 2026 require country-of-origin on each SKU. CTOK provides invoice, packing list with per-SKU origin, and export declaration.

New rules - 2026

CUSTOMS IN 2026 -
WHAT CHANGED.

EU customs tightened in 2026. Country of origin is now required on every SKU, not just the lot total. Lead times stretched from 2-3 days to a week. Here is what it means for your shipment - and the option to clear customs yourself.

/01 - The change

ONE LINE PER SKU.

Before 2026, you declared the lot as a whole - one line, one origin code. Now every SKU inside the lot gets its own declaration line with its own country-of-origin code. A mixed platform lot with 150 brands becomes 150 declaration lines.

Example breakdown
5x T-shirtsBangladesh
10x HoodiesChina
25x PolosTurkey
+ 147 more lines…
Total declaration lines150
/02 - Realistic timelines

FROM 2-3 DAYS
TO ONE WEEK.

Before 2026
2–3 days
Now
1 week +
After clearance
Your transit

We bake this week into the quote. No surprise delays - the timeline you see in your offer already includes the new customs window.

/03 - Your option

HANDLE CUSTOMS
YOURSELF.

For most importers, a local broker clears faster and cheaper than centralized EU clearance. Here is the workflow we will set up if you choose this route.

Power of attorney
We sign the authorization for your broker to act on the shipment.
Full packing list
Per-SKU origin codes ready for your broker. No re-work.
~5 € per line
Typical broker fee. 150 lines ≈ 750 €. Often cheaper than central EU clearance.
/04 - Customs FAQ

QUESTIONS WE GET.

What changed in 2026?+
EU customs now require country-of-origin on each individual SKU, not just the lot total. A mixed platform batch with 150 brands needs 150 separate origin lines on the declaration.
How long does customs clearance take now?+
Expect 1 week minimum from arrival to clearance. Previously 2–3 days. The extra time covers per-SKU origin verification.
Can my own broker clear the shipment?+
Yes — and we recommend it for most importers. We supply power of attorney plus a full packing list. Your broker handles the rest. Typical broker fee: ~5 € per line (150 lines ≈ 750 €).
Does Ctok charge for customs clearance?+
No. We do not charge a customs fee — we handle EU export documents on our side at no cost. Inbound clearance in your country is your responsibility (broker fees apply).
What documents do you provide?+
Commercial invoice, packing list with per-SKU origin codes, EUR.1 (where applicable), and export declaration. All signed and stamped by Postskriptum GmbH.
What if my country has special requirements?+
Tell us during the quote stage. We have shipped to 70+ countries — most edge cases (Kosovo stelka tests, Serbia textile labels, Israel kosher labelling) we have seen before.
Has customs ever returned a shipment?+
Yes — rarely, and always due to documentation gaps on the destination side. We work with you to amend and re-submit. No shipment is lost; some are delayed.
Full FAQ

READY TO QUOTE?

Tell us your destination - we will pre-flag customs requirements and timelines in the offer.

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