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What is changing for EU customers
Every parcel sent to the European Union with a value of €150 or less must include product identifiers (PIDs) in its customs declaration. The requirement has applied on a voluntary basis since July 1, and becomes mandatory on November 1.
Three identifiers are declared for each product:
- M-PID (merchant product identifier): the reference the seller uses for the product.
- NS-PID (non-standardised manufacturer product identifier): the manufacturer model or part number.
- S-PID (standardised product identifier): the product barcode (JAN, EAN or UPC).
M-PID and NS-PID are mandatory. S-PID is required only when the product has a barcode.
Parcels valued above €150 will not be affected by this requirement.
Customers in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) will not be affected, as GB is not a part of the European Union.
Why the EU is introducing PIDs
The European Union found that a large share of low value foreign goods do not meet their product safety standards. So they decided to require PIDs. If one product is found to be noncompliant, customs will stop every shipment of the same product.
A customs declaration without PIDs will be treated as incomplete.
Such parcels may be held at customs or returned to Japan.
How Lunarcat handles this
We are already prepared for this change.
If the destination is in the European Union and the parcel value is below €150, the M-PID and NS-PID will be included in the customs declaration.
If you are using our Customs Declaration Service, there will be no additional charges for identifying these PIDs.
If you want to make the declaration yourself, make sure to include the NS-PID.