Etsy has become the first online marketplace to offer Royal Mail’s new postal delivery duties paid (PDDP) service for shipments to the European Union, following EU customs changes that took effect on July 1.
Royal Mail launched the service in response to new EU rules that introduced a flat €3 (US$3.41) customs duty on most business-to-consumer parcels valued under €150 (US$170) entering the bloc from outside it. The PDDP service allows duties to be calculated and paid at the point of postage purchase, to prevent customers from facing unexpected charges on delivery.
The service is now available directly on the Etsy platform for all UK sellers, covering shipments to Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.
Sellers purchase postage through Etsy, with duties calculated and collected at that point. Royal Mail charges a £1 (US$1.33) handling fee per parcel to cover EU clearance costs, reduced to 50p (US$0.67) for shipments to Ireland.
Iain Johnson, managing director for international at Royal Mail, said, “We’re committed to helping UK businesses continue trading with customers across Europe. Our new service makes it easier for sellers to navigate the latest customs changes by collecting duties upfront and helping avoid delays or unexpected charges for customers. Exporting to the EU remains a significant opportunity for UK businesses, and we’re pleased to be working with partners like Etsy to help sellers reach European customers with confidence.”
Roman Sobieri, head of global shipping at Etsy, said, “Cross-border selling is one of the biggest opportunities for Etsy’s creative entrepreneurs, and navigating customs changes shouldn’t be a barrier. Our partnership with Royal Mail makes that easier. With duties calculated and paid directly on the Etsy platform at the point of postage, UK sellers can keep reaching buyers across Europe with confidence, and buyers get a seamless experience without unexpected charges at the door.”
In related news, eBay expands international shipping service to UK sellers