Updated 3 Nov
"Ships from EU": what it means for you
Since July 2026 cheap parcels from outside the EU pay a customs charge. Here's when an EU warehouse is worth choosing.
Many AliExpress products can be sent from different warehouses. On the product page this usually shows as a "Ships from" choice, for example China, Spain, Poland or France.
Why it matters in 2026
Since 1 July 2026 the EU charges a €3 customs duty per item on low-value parcels (under €150) that come from outside the EU. On a €5 gadget that's a big share of the price. Products that ship from a warehouse inside the EU are already in the EU, so that duty doesn't apply to your parcel.
When to pick the EU warehouse
- Cheap items. On anything under about €20, the duty makes a noticeable difference. Compare the final price at checkout for both warehouses.
- When you need it soon. EU warehouses usually deliver in days instead of weeks, which matters for Christmas gifts.
When it doesn't matter much
For a more expensive item the €3 is a small part of the price, and the China warehouse can still be cheaper overall. The checkout total is what counts.
On DealTrove, products we've confirmed ship from an EU warehouse carry a Ships from EU badge, and category pages have a filter for them.