Important Update for Our EU Customers: Changes to EU Import Rules from July 2026

At Sigma Coffee, we believe in being transparent with our customers — especially when changes outside our control may affect your orders.

From 1 July 2026, the European Union will introduce new customs rules for low-value goods imported into the EU from countries outside the EU, including the United Kingdom.

We want to explain what this means for you, how it may affect future coffee orders, and what we’re doing to minimise disruption.

This post specifically is aimed at EU-based customers, who are purchasing through our UK based website - sigmacoffee.co.uk

What is changing?

Currently, orders valued below €150 can enter the EU without customs duties being charged.

From 1 July 2026, this exemption will be removed.

Instead, low-value e-commerce shipments entering the EU may become subject to:

  • a new customs duty charge,

  • VAT handling requirements,

  • and additional customs processing procedures.

These changes apply across the EU and affect many UK businesses shipping directly to EU consumers.

What is the additional duty charge?

At the moment, the EU has only expressly stated that they will charge a flat rate 3 EUR per line item. It is extremely unclear whether or not this will apply to a basket of 9 different coffees or whether the 9 different coffees can be treated as one line item. As such you are expected to pay 9 x 3 EUR = 27 EUR duty on this shipment, in addition to local VAT and brokerage costs.

Will this affect my orders?

Unfortunately, yes. The EU has decided to clamp down on cheaper/low value imports and stick a cost per item.

Depending on the value of your order, shipping method, and customs processing requirements in your country, future orders may:

  • take slightly longer to clear customs,

  • require additional import processing,

  • or incur extra charges during importation.

However, we are already preparing for these changes to reduce any impact on our customers.

What Sigma Coffee is doing

We are actively reviewing:

  • improved EU shipping solutions,

  • pre-paid duties and taxes options (DDP),

  • customs optimisation,

  • and streamlined checkout processes for EU customers.

Our goal is simple:

Keep ordering specialty coffee from the UK as easy and transparent as possible.

We are also working closely with our shipping partners to ensure:

  • reliable delivery,

  • minimal customs delays,

  • and clear communication around any future charges.

Will prices increase?

It is too early to confirm exactly how each EU country and courier will implement the new rules.

Some additional import costs may apply in the future for low-value shipments, particularly for direct-to-consumer orders under €150.

If any pricing or shipping changes become necessary, we will communicate them clearly well in advance.

What about VAT and duties?

EU VAT rules remain in place, and customs authorities may require more detailed declarations for imported goods.

Where possible, we aim to:

  • minimise unexpected fees,

  • improve customs clearance speed,

  • and provide clearer landed-cost information during checkout.

Our commitment to our EU customers

The EU remains incredibly important to us, and we are committed to continuing to serve coffee lovers across Europe.

We appreciate your patience as international shipping regulations evolve, and we’ll continue sharing updates as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions about your orders or shipping to your country, please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you for supporting independent specialty coffee.

— The Sigma Coffee Team