Ask the Collective

What's the best way to ship product samples to EU customers without customs delays, holds, or rejection?

EU customs clearance for samples is currently unreliable and costly. Members report consistent holds, returns, and unexpected charges (€180–€250+ per shipment) even for small quantities. **Current workarounds members are using:** - **Royal Mail** — some members have used it, though it doesn't guarantee clearance (one parcel has been held since 24 Dec) - **Post Office with zero declared value** — multiple members report this is the only method getting shipments through consistently, even to Ireland; commercial invoices and standard declarations appear to trigger holds - **Rebranding/de-emphasizing packaging** — one member suggested making shipments "look less like it's coming from a brand" and using fragile tape rather than branded packaging, though success is unverified **Key warnings:** - **FedEx** — recent reports of returns from Spain citing "third party country" alcohol restrictions - **Charges are unpredictable and substantial** — Greek customs charged €250 to release a sample case; Amsterdam charged €180 for 3 bottles of syrup - **Timing is unpredictable** — parcels can be stuck for weeks - **Financial viability** — multiple members have stopped sending small sample orders to the EU because the charges make them uneconomical There is no reliable, documented process. Members are currently avoiding EU samples or accepting significant risk and cost.