EU Product Identifiers Mandatory from 1 November 2026 [SAMOS e-commerce LTD](/)Open main menu Search Services Pricing Resources Blog [ Login ](https://connect.samos-e.com/login) ![Illustration of EU landmarks, flag, shipping containers and globe announcing mandatory product identifiers for EU customs from 1 November 2026.](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/378/conversions/Main-Graphic-21-main.jpg) EU Customs Changes: Product Identifiers Become Mandatory from 1 November 2026 ============================================================================= New EU customs rules come into force on 1 November 2026, making Product Identifiers (PIDs) mandatory for qualifying B2C ecommerce shipments. Find out what’s changing, what information you need to provide and how SAMOS can automatically generate the required identifiers at no extra cost. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [What is changing on 1 November 2026?](#content-what-is-changing-on-1-november-2026) - [What does this mean for UK ecommerce businesses?](#content-what-does-this-mean-for-uk-ecommerce-businesses) 7th October 2026 Updated 7 hours ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026"e=EU%20Customs%20Changes:%20Product%20Identifiers%20Become%20Mandatory%20from%201%20November%202026) - [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=New%20EU%20customs%20rules%20come%20into%20force%20on%201%20November%202026,%20making%20Product%20Identifiers%20(PIDs)%20mandatory%20for%20qualifying%20B2C%20ecommerce%20shipments.%20Find%20out%20what’s%20changing,%20what%20information%20you%20need%20to%20provide%20and%20how%20SAMOS%20can%20automatically%20generate%20the%20required%20identifiers%20at%20no%20extra%20cost.%0ahttps://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026) - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026&title=EU%20Customs%20Changes:%20Product%20Identifiers%20Become%20Mandatory%20from%201%20November%202026&summary=New%20EU%20customs%20rules%20come%20into%20force%20on%201%20November%202026,%20making%20Product%20Identifiers%20(PIDs)%20mandatory%20for%20qualifying%20B2C%20ecommerce%20shipments.%20Find%20out%20what’s%20changing,%20what%20information%20you%20need%20to%20provide%20and%20how%20SAMOS%20can%20automatically%20generate%20the%20required%20identifiers%20at%20no%20extra%20cost.) - Copy Link 1. [What are Product Identifiers (PIDs)?](#content-what-are-product-identifiers-pids) - [1. Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID)](#content-1-merchant-product-identifier-m-pid) - [2. Non-Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID)](#content-2-non-standardised-manufacturer-product-identifier-ns-pid) - [3. Standardised Product Identifier (S-PID)](#content-3-standardised-product-identifier-s-pid) 2. [The important bit: you need two key identifiers](#content-the-important-bit-you-need-two-key-identifiers) - [Do I need to do anything?](#content-do-i-need-to-do-anything) 3. [What happens if the required information isn't provided?](#content-what-happens-if-the-required-information-isnt-provided) 4. [What about the €3 EU customs duty?](#content-what-about-the-3-eu-customs-duty) 5. [Do the PID rules apply to B2B shipments?](#content-do-the-pid-rules-apply-to-b2b-shipments) 6. [Shipping to the EU shouldn't have to be complicated](#content-shipping-to-the-eu-shouldnt-have-to-be-complicated) - [Need help with the new EU customs rules?](#content-need-help-with-the-new-eu-customs-rules) - [FAQs](#content-faqs) Not prepared? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you ship ecommerce orders from the UK to customers in the EU, there’s an important customs change you need to know about. From 1 November 2026, Product Identifiers (PIDs) will become mandatory on customs declarations for B2C ecommerce shipments entering the EU. In simple terms, that means a general description such as “women’s jumper” or “Bluetooth headphones” will no longer be enough. Customs declarations will need specific information that identifies the products being shipped. If you’re a [SAMOS](https://samos-e.com/) customer, there’s good news: our shipping system can automatically generate the required product identifiers for you, at no extra cost. Here’s what you need to know. [\#](#content-what-is-changing-on-1-november-2026 "Permalink")What is changing on 1 November 2026? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under the EU’s new customs requirements, ecommerce businesses sending goods directly to consumers in the EU will need to provide Product Identifiers (PIDs) for each product on the customs declaration. The change applies to B2C distance sales, regardless of the value of the goods. PIDs can already be provided voluntarily, but they become mandatory from 1 November 2026. The aim is to give EU customs authorities better information about the products entering the EU, making it easier to carry out safety, security and compliance checks. ### [\#](#content-what-does-this-mean-for-uk-ecommerce-businesses "Permalink")What does this mean for UK ecommerce businesses? If you sell online to customers in the EU and ship their orders from outside the EU, you need to make sure the required product information can get from your ecommerce system to the company handling your customs declaration. A generic product description won't be enough. The good news is that [SAMOS](https://samos-e.com/) has adapted its shipping systems to handle these new requirements automatically. [\#](#content-what-are-product-identifiers-pids "Permalink")What are Product Identifiers (PIDs)? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ There are three types of Product Identifier that may be required for each individual product. ### [\#](#content-1-merchant-product-identifier-m-pid "Permalink")1. Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID) This is your own product reference. For most ecommerce businesses, this will be your: - SKU - Product code - Marketplace listing ID - Inventory code This is a mandatory identifier. ### [\#](#content-2-non-standardised-manufacturer-product-identifier-ns-pid "Permalink")2. Non-Standardised Manufacturer Product Identifier (NS-PID) This is the product reference assigned by the manufacturer, producer or supplier. It could be a: - Model number - Style number - Part number - Manufacturer's product code This is also mandatory. ### [\#](#content-3-standardised-product-identifier-s-pid "Permalink")3. Standardised Product Identifier (S-PID) This is a recognised product identifier such as a: - GTIN - EAN - UPC - ISBN This is required where one exists. If a product doesn't have a standardised identifier, the customs declaration can indicate that one doesn't exist. [\#](#content-the-important-bit-you-need-two-key-identifiers "Permalink")The important bit: you need two key identifiers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For most UK ecommerce businesses, the two identifiers to focus on are the M-PID and NS-PID. 1. Your M-PID will usually already exist in your ecommerce system as your SKU or product code. 2. The NS-PID can be more difficult because many businesses don't currently hold a manufacturer's product reference in the format needed for customs. That's where SAMOS can help. When you create a shipment through the [SAMOS Connect](https://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/samos-connect-eu-parcel-service) platform, your M-PID is automatically taken from your SKU. Our system can also automatically generate the required NS-PID for you. And there's no additional charge for this service. ### [\#](#content-do-i-need-to-do-anything "Permalink")Do I need to do anything? For SAMOS customers, the PID service will be automatically enabled for EU shipments from 1 November 2026, so there is no need to change your shipping process. If you already have your own NS-PIDs, that's fine too. Just let us know and we can add them to our system so your existing product references are used rather than creating duplicates. [\#](#content-what-happens-if-the-required-information-isnt-provided "Permalink")What happens if the required information isn't provided? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From 1 November 2026, customs declarations for qualifying B2C ecommerce imports will need the required PIDs. If the information is missing or incorrect, the declaration may fail customs validation. This can lead to customs clearance delays, rejected declarations, additional information requests or shipments being returned. That's why it's worth making sure your shipping process is ready before the November deadline. With SAMOS, the required PID information will be generated and passed through automatically for eligible EU ecommerce shipments, so you don’t have to worry about anything. [\#](#content-what-about-the-3-eu-customs-duty "Permalink")What about the €3 EU customs duty? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You may also have heard about a €3 customs duty on low-value ecommerce imports. This is a separate change from the new Product Identifier requirement. The EU introduced the €3 temporary customs duty on 1 July 2026, following the removal of the previous €150 customs duty exemption for qualifying low-value ecommerce imports. The €3 duty applies per item in qualifying consignments valued at up to €150, subject to the relevant customs rules. There is also a separate EU handling fee for small parcels. This is intended to cover the cost of customs processing and is expected to apply from November 2026, but the final amount and implementation details have been subject to the EU's ongoing arrangements. [\#](#content-do-the-pid-rules-apply-to-b2b-shipments "Permalink")Do the PID rules apply to B2B shipments? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Generally, no. The new PID requirement is aimed at qualifying B2C distance sales into the EU. Ordinary B2B imports to VAT-registered businesses are outside the PID requirement, provided the shipment is correctly treated and declared as B2B. If you send both B2B and B2C shipments to the EU, it's therefore important that your customs information correctly identifies the type of shipment. [\#](#content-shipping-to-the-eu-shouldnt-have-to-be-complicated "Permalink")Shipping to the EU shouldn't have to be complicated -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New customs rules can make international ecommerce shipping feel like a moving target. But you shouldn't have to become a customs expert just to send your customers their orders. SAMOS is already prepared for the EU's new Product Identifier requirements. Our automatic PID generator is included at no extra cost, helping you keep your EU shipments moving without adding another manual step to your fulfilment process. And PIDs are just one part of what we do. As international ecommerce shipping specialists, we keep on top of changes to customs, duties and delivery requirements across the EU, US and worldwide, helping our customers keep international shipping as simple as possible. ### [\#](#content-need-help-with-the-new-eu-customs-rules "Permalink")Need help with the new EU customs rules? If you're not sure whether your current shipping setup is ready for the 1 November 2026 Product Identifier deadline, [speak to the SAMOS team](https://samos-e.com/contact-us). We'll help you understand what's changing and how our automated solution can take care of the required product information for you. Because international shipping doesn't have to be a headache – especially when you've got the right team on board. ### [\#](#content-faqs "Permalink")FAQs **1. What are the new EU Product Identifier requirements from November 2026?** From 1 November 2026, Product Identifiers (PIDs) will be required on customs declarations for qualifying B2C ecommerce shipments entering the EU. This includes identifiers such as your SKU or product code, manufacturer product reference and, where available, a standardised identifier such as a GTIN, EAN or UPC. **2. Do UK businesses need Product Identifiers to ship ecommerce orders to the EU?** Yes. UK businesses sending B2C ecommerce orders directly to customers in the EU will need to provide the required Product Identifiers (PIDs) from 1 November 2026. Generic descriptions such as “women’s jumper” will no longer be sufficient on their own. Businesses should ensure their product information can be passed to the company handling their customs declarations. **3. How can SAMOS help with the new EU Product Identifier requirements?** SAMOS can automatically generate the required Product Identifier information for eligible EU ecommerce shipments. Your Merchant Product Identifier (M-PID), such as your SKU or product code, is taken from your ecommerce data, while SAMOS can generate the required Non-Standardised Product Identifier (NS-PID). The service is included at no extra cost for SAMOS customers. ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS - [What is changing on 1 November 2026?](#content-what-is-changing-on-1-november-2026) - [What does this mean for UK ecommerce businesses?](#content-what-does-this-mean-for-uk-ecommerce-businesses) 7th October 2026 Updated 7 hours ago Share this article - [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026"e=EU%20Customs%20Changes:%20Product%20Identifiers%20Become%20Mandatory%20from%201%20November%202026) - [Share on WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=New%20EU%20customs%20rules%20come%20into%20force%20on%201%20November%202026,%20making%20Product%20Identifiers%20(PIDs)%20mandatory%20for%20qualifying%20B2C%20ecommerce%20shipments.%20Find%20out%20what’s%20changing,%20what%20information%20you%20need%20to%20provide%20and%20how%20SAMOS%20can%20automatically%20generate%20the%20required%20identifiers%20at%20no%20extra%20cost.%0ahttps://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026) - [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://samos-e.com/blog/eu-shipping/eu-customs-changes-product-identifiers-become-mandatory-from-1-november-2026&title=EU%20Customs%20Changes:%20Product%20Identifiers%20Become%20Mandatory%20from%201%20November%202026&summary=New%20EU%20customs%20rules%20come%20into%20force%20on%201%20November%202026,%20making%20Product%20Identifiers%20(PIDs)%20mandatory%20for%20qualifying%20B2C%20ecommerce%20shipments.%20Find%20out%20what’s%20changing,%20what%20information%20you%20need%20to%20provide%20and%20how%20SAMOS%20can%20automatically%20generate%20the%20required%20identifiers%20at%20no%20extra%20cost.) - Copy Link Who is SAMOS? ------------- SAMOS is parcel logistics company based in London, specialising in creating and engineering customer-focussed e-commerce parcel delivery and returns solutions. [Find out more about SAMOS ](/about-samos) What our customers are saying ------------------------------ SAMOS customers had difficulties shipping into the EU and beyond - until they found SAMOS. [Read more about our customers ](/customer-stories) How to contact SAMOS -------------------- Need more help or do you have any questions for us? Talk to us Why not try shipping with SAMOS? -------------------------------- Request a demo to learn more about how SAMOS can help you ship directly to your customers. [Request a demo ](/request-a-demo) Join our newsletter ------------------- Get the latest e-commerce shipping news and tips straight to your inbox. Sign up ### Related Articles [![Shipping fragrances & cosmetics to the EU](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/168/conversions/Shipping-Fragrances--&-Cosmetics--to-the-EU-blog---Thumbnail-Graphic--main.jpg)](/blog/eu-shipping/problems-shipping-cosmetics-and-fragrances-across-the-eu-your-solution)24th July 2024[EU shipping](/blog/eu-shipping) ### [ Problems shipping cosmetics and fragrances across the EU? - your solution.](/blog/eu-shipping/problems-shipping-cosmetics-and-fragrances-across-the-eu-your-solution) We have your solution for shipping beauty products, fragrances and cosmetics across the EU – because you’re worth it! ![Picture of Ben Bagnulo](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/150/conversions/ben-main.jpg) Ben Bagnulo CEO at SAMOS [![Picture of EU flat with ships, trucks, planes and boxes](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/172/conversions/shipping-to-eu-you-must-talk-to-samos-thumbnail-main.jpg)](/blog/eu-shipping/shipping-to-eu-you-must-talk-to-samos)17th October 2023[EU shipping](/blog/eu-shipping) ### [ Shipping to EU and beyond? 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Your EU shipping alternative solution](/blog/eu-shipping/postal-service-strike-eu-shipping-solution) Regain complete control of your EU shipping during the postal strikes (or international outage) with SAMOS – your go-to delivery alternative to the postal services for EU e-commerce ![Picture of Simon Perkins](https://fls-a23386ec-a833-4d54-8bab-79a51619651d.laravel.cloud/129/conversions/TBA41DHHU-UB8G6TW2C-a6e01c7f48ad-512-main.jpg) Simon Perkins Commercial Director at SAMOS Footer ------ ### Services - [Parcel Delivery ](/services/parcel-delivery) - [Parcel Returns ](/services/parcel-returns) - [All Integrations ](/services/integrations) - [Parcel Tracking ](/services/parcel-tracking) - [Shipping to the EU](/services/parcel-delivery/europe) - [Shipping fragrances & cosmetics to the EU](/blog/eu-shipping/problems-shipping-cosmetics-and-fragrances-across-the-eu-your-solution) - [Learn about IOSS for EU Shipping ](/blog/ioss) ### Integrations - [Shopify](/services/integrations/shopify) - [Shipstation](/services/integrations/shipstation) - [Linnworks](/services/integrations/linnworks) - [Mintsoft](/services/integrations/mintsoft) - [WooCommerce](/services/integrations/woocommerce) - [Shiptheory](/services/integrations/shiptheory) - [Despatch Cloud](/services/integrations/despatch-cloud) - [Magento](/services/integrations/magento) - [Pimento](/services/integrations/pimento) ### Company - [About SAMOS ](/about-samos) - [Customer Stories ](/customer-stories) - [Shipping Rates ](/pricing/samos-shipping-rates) - [Return Rates ](/pricing/samos-return-rates) - [Request a Demo ](/request-a-demo) - [Sustainability ](/resources/sustainability) - [Resources ](/resources) - [Contact Us ](/contact-us) - [Use SAMOS with AI ](/ai-assistants)New ### Terms & Conditions - [Website T&Cs ](/website-terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy & Cookies ](/privacy-and-cookie-policy) - [AI Assistant Privacy ](/ai-assistants/privacy-policy) - [Shipping T&Cs ](/shipping-terms-and-conditions) ### Subscribe to our newsletter The latest e-commerce shipping news and tips, sent to your inbox. 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