Dear Valued Customer,
Following an update from our EU agents & integrators regarding the upcoming EU Customs reforms, We are writing to outline the critical technical data mandates required to keep your EU cross-border trade seamless and compliant. This must be recognised that this applies to all shipments that are heading to an EU country and are B to C (Business to Consumer) ONLY. Business to business shipments should not be effected by the forthcoming changes.
What is Changing?
You will note that when creating a commercial shipping invoice on our web booking portal a new section has been implemented (Nov 1st 2026). The system will need you to transmit two specific pieces of information for every item inside a parcel:
- Type: A specific 3-letter code indicating the kind of identifier being provided.
- Value: The actual reference number, barcode, or SKU text.
These mandatory updates will roll out in two distinct regulatory phases:
NOVEMBER 2026: EU Product Identifiers (PIDs)
- Effective Date: 1 November 2026
- Requirement: To comply with the systems go-live for low-value goods, you must provide at least one of the standard product identifiers below:
- SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
- MID (Manufacturer’s ID)
- EAN (European Article Number)
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
WHERE TO FIND THESE NEW CODES;
Barcodes & Standard Numbers (EAN & UPC)
EAN and UPC are standard barcodes used globally to identify products at retail checkout.
- On Physical Items: Look at the back or bottom of the product packaging. You will see a vertical black-and-white barcode.
- UPC: This is a 12-digit number used primarily in North America. The numbers are printed directly beneath the barcode lines.
- EAN: This is a 13-digit number used internationally (especially in Europe). Like the UPC, it sits directly under the barcode.
- Online Listings: Scroll down to the “Product Information,” “Specifications,” or “Technical Details” section on e-commerce sites like Amazon.
🏭 Manufacturer’s ID (MID)
The MID (sometimes called the Part Number or MPN) is assigned by the company that made the product.
- On the Product or Box: Look for a label that says “Model No.”, “Part No.”, “MPN”, or “Style”. It is often printed near the serial number or compliance logos (like CE or FCC markings).
- In the Manual: It is almost always printed on the front cover or the back page of the user manual.
📦 SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
The SKU is a custom alphanumeric code unique to the specific retailer or warehouse selling the item.
- On Receipts & Invoices: Check your physical receipt, order confirmation email, or shipping invoice.
- On Store Labels: It is usually printed on the store’s price tag or a separate inventory sticker stuck to the box, rather than being printed directly on the manufacturer’s original packaging.
- URL or Page Title: When shopping online, the SKU is often visible in the product description page right next to the price, or embedded inside the webpage’s URL.
If you feel that you send the same products to your clients in the EU regularly – please just let us know the product type plus the new codes and we’ll save these on your web portal account for you. (customerservices@olympexglobal.com).