2026 Mandatory EU Product Identifiers (PIDs) & Customs Compliance
What is the new European Union customs requirement?
Starting November 1, 2026, European Union (EU) customs authorities will enforce mandatory compliance rules for cross-border shipments. As we process your orders, we are required to submit specific product data—including an HS Tariff Code and three distinct Product Identifiers (PIDs)—for all goods sent out to non-VAT-registered recipients in the EU.
Which shipments require this information?
This is a mandatory regulatory requirement for all shipments that we are processing entering the EU customs territory.
What happens if this information is missing or incorrect?
Because this is an official regulatory requirement, non-compliant packages cannot clear EU customs. If any product is missing its HS Tariff code or PIDs, your shipment may face:
- Immediate customs hold and extended processing delays
- Penalties or administrative fees assessed by customs
- Shipments being rejected and returned to sender at your expense. Return postages will be posted to your account when we are notified.
What specific data must be submitted for each product?
For every non-mail item in your shipment, you must provide details in the following exact sequence per item:
- HS Tariff Code: The 6- to 10-digit Harmonized System code classifying the product category.
- M-PID (Merchant Product Identifier): SKU, item code, or product code
- NS-PID (Non-Standardized Product Identifier): Factor model or part number, proprietary series code, or supplier product
- S-PID* (Standardized Product Identifier): Barcodes, ISBN, EAN, UPC, or GTIN
- (Note: If your product does not have an S-PID specified, you must enter "No").
What if I'm sending 5 items that are all exactly the same? Only 1 line needs to be created, but the quantity and value must reflect correctly. IF there are any subtle differences (color, size, model, etc) separate line entries are required.
How must this data be formatted?
When submitting item descriptions and customs details, ensure each product entry follows this strict order:
[HS Tariff Code] | [M-PID] | [NS-PID] | [S-PID]
Formatting Rules:
- Submit one complete entry per product/line item.
- Do not leave any PID field blank. If an S-PID does not exist for the item, write
No. - Verify that the HS Tariff code matches the physical nature of the item to prevent clearance delays.
Examples of Compliant Entries
Example 1: Electronics (with Serial Number)
- Product: Wireless Headphones
- HS Tariff Code:
8518.30.00 - M-PID:
WH-1000XM5 - NS-PID:
027242923508 - S-PID:
SN849204812
Submission Format:
8518.30.00 | WH-1000XM5 | 027242923508 | SN849204812
Example 2: Apparel (no Serial Number available)
- Product: 100% Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
- HS Tariff Code:
6109.10.00 - M-PID:
TEE-BLK-M - NS-PID:
194644029182 - S-PID:
No
Submission Format:
6109.10.00 | TEE-BLK-M | 194644029182 | No
Please note that the HS Codes / PIDs in this image example are purely for demonstration, they may not be accurate.
Where do I submit this information?
When creating or finalizing your EU shipment order through our platform, please input the required details in the designated customs / item fields in the exact order specified above before submitting your order for processing.
If it's easier for you to submit this information in a separate email, please indicate that you are "emailing PID details" to follow the order in the special handling instructions as you create your order.
What is VPM doing to help support this change?
- If it can be caught, our team will reach out for additional information, when we find that there may be missing compliance related information. Additional contact phone number and email may also be collected to help you smooth out the payment process for handling duties and taxes for your shipment once it reaches the EU.
- Should you wish to verify the content of non-mail items you are mailing out, we can send you a photo manifest at this time so you can account for all the PIDs you need to submit.