8 March 2026
The 2026 Guide to EU Customs on Gifts: What the €3 Fee Means for You
Understanding the new EU customs rules effective July 2026 and how Dublin-based fulfillment bypasses import duties for Rakhi deliveries to Ireland.
Starting July 1, 2026, the European Union is abolishing the long-standing €150 customs duty exemption for e-commerce goods imported from non-EU countries. In its place, a flat €3 fee per item category will be charged on all parcels entering from outside the EU. This is a significant change that will directly impact anyone sending gifts - including Rakhis - to loved ones in Ireland from India, the UK, or the US.
What Does This Mean for Rakhi Senders?
If you are sending a Rakhi from India to Ireland via international courier, your recipient in Ireland will now face a €3 customs fee plus An Post's administrative handling fee (starting from €3.50) when collecting the parcel. That means a simple Rakhi thread could cost your brother or sister an unexpected €6.50+ in hidden fees at the door.
How Dublin-Based Fulfillment Bypasses This Entirely
When you order from Rakhi for Ireland, your Rakhi is already in Dublin. It ships domestically via An Post as a standard Irish parcel. No customs. No import duties. No surprise fees. Your recipient simply receives a parcel with 1-2 day delivery and zero additional costs.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 EU customs changes make international gifting more expensive and more complicated. But by choosing a local Irish seller, you avoid all of it. Your Rakhi arrives faster, costs less, and comes with zero customs headaches.
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