As we enter 2026, the landscape of international e-commerce continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial to maintaining compliance and ensuring seamless international operations. Here’s an overview of the key changes at the start of 2026, and how Glopal is here to help you navigate them.
Standard VAT/GST rate changes announced for 01.01.2026:
Reduced VAT rate changes effective 01.01.2026:
Keeping up with tax changes across multiple countries can be challenging. Glopal continuously monitors global tax regulations, and automatically updates tax rates and thresholds in real time. This ensures your pricing, invoicing, and reporting remain accurate and compliant, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about ever-changing tax rules.
Following a bilateral agreement signed in late 2025, trade relations between Switzerland and the U.S. have entered a more favorable phase. A reciprocal 15% ceiling on customs duties (similar as granted to the European Union) is now in full effect, replacing the previously enforced IEEPA rate of 39% on most Swiss origin products.
Glopal detects and processes any relevant customs tariff changes from official U.S. customs sources, guaranteeing that applied duty rates are up-to-date and calculated total landing costs are accurate.
The European Union agreed to introduce a new €3 customs levy on all low-value (<150€) B2C parcels, effective from July 2026. This is an interim measure ahead of the full 2028 Customs Reform which will entirely abolish the long-standing €150 customs duty de minimis threshold.
Member state Romania is moving even faster, introducing a national logistics fees of RON 25 (roughly €5) for sub-€150 shipments from January 1, 2026. This levy will be layered on top of the EU wide €3 customs levy once active.
Several other member states - France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg - likewise also still debate the introduction of a national handling fee (of 2€) on imported low-value parcels as early as February 1, 2026. Final decisions are expected in January 2026.
Glopal’s Duty & Tax engine automatically applies new customs levies as they come into effect, ensuring your store always provides up-to-date total landed cost calculations.
France is modernizing its customs identification to align with EU-wide digital standards. The French EORI number format is moving from a 14-digit SIRET-based number to a 9-digit SIREN-based EORI number (Format: FR + 9 digits).
Merchants with a French EORI can verify their status on the Soprano-Access portal. Most non-EU companies linked to a French SIRET must re-apply for the 9-digit version to ensure continued access to the French market.
Saudia Arabia announced that he newly introduced Short Address Code will become mandatory for all cross-border shipments to Saudi Arabia, effective January 1, 2026.
The Short Address Code is a unique, eight-character identifier (4 letters + 4 digits, example: ABCD1234) that pinpoints a specific building with GPS-level precision. This system aims to replace the need for descriptive landmarks in the long term and ensures your parcels reach their exact destination without delay.
To prevent shipments from being rejected by carriers or Saudi Customs, you must include this code in your address data.
Major international carriers, including DHL, FedEx, and UPS, have announced they will enforce this requirement at the point of origin. Most carriers demand to pass the code either in address line 3 or, alternatively, added in address lines 1 or 2.
We understand that navigating regulatory changes can be complex. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing you with the tools and expertise needed to thrive:
As your trusted partner, we’re here to empower your growth and success in the evolving world of e-commerce.
Here’s to a prosperous and compliant 2026!