This requirement will help customs authorities detect non-compliant and dangerous products more effectively and at scale, protecting EU citizens, the environment and the Single Market from harmful products.
Why are product identifiers needed?
EU-wide customs control actions carried out by the customs authorities of all 27 Member States, together with market surveillance authorities, showed that numerous low-value goods bought online from outside the EU do not comply with EU product requirements and safety rules. Building upon traditional tariff classifications and product descriptions, the introduction of product identifiers enhances risk analysis capabilities by allowing the precise identification of specific products and enables customs authorities to scale up controls. Product identifiers give customs traceability and identification information. When one product is found to be non-compliant or dangerous, customs can extend the result of that control to all products presenting a similar risk, even when they are sold by other sellers or on other platforms. This helps ensure that only compliant and safe products reach EU buyers and creates fairer competition for EU businesses that comply with EU rules.
Which product identifiers must be provided?
For each product in the customs declaration, the following product identifiers must be provided:
- Merchant product identifier (M-PID): gives customs the product reference on a website, marketplace or platform where it is offered for sale, and allows them to trace that specific product and its offer. It is set by the online seller, marketplace or platform, such as the reference number on the product page, and is unique on that platform.
- Non-standardised manufacturer product identifier (NS-PID): links the product to its manufacturer and model, so that customs can find the same product on different platforms. It is the manufacturer’s own reference, such as a model, part or style number, and does not follow an international format.
- Standardised manufacturer product identifier (S-PID): identifies the exact product internationally and can usually be verified publicly. It follows an international standard and is usually printed as a barcode, such as an EAN, UPC or ISBN number. If the product has none, this must be indicated in the declaration using a specific exemption code.
Who provides the identifiers?
In most cases, the identifiers already exist in the supply chain, for example in product listings, on invoices or on packaging, so no new data needs to be created. Online platforms and manufacturers pass them on along the supply chain, and the declarant, such as the IOSS holder or a customs representative, reports them in the customs declaration. The requirement applies to goods sold in distance sales.
Key dates
- 1 July 2026: operators were able to start providing product identifiers on a voluntary basis, without penalties.
- 1 November 2026: the requirement is mandatory and is enforced.
- July 2028: more comprehensive product data requirements will follow, once the EU Customs Data Hub for e-commerce is deployed.
More information
Detailed explanations are available in the Guidance for Member States and Trade.
