Product IDs for EU Shipments

From November 1, 2026, the European Union requires a product ID for each item on shipments entering the EU. This is an EU customs requirement, so it applies regardless of which carrier you choose. Shipments without the required information may be held at EU customs.

This article explains what a product ID is, when it's needed, and how to add it, with guidance for common cases like used items, trading cards, handmade goods, and gifts.

A product ID is a code that identifies the specific product you are shipping. It is separate from the HS code: the HS code classifies the type of item for customs, while the product ID identifies the exact product the seller listed.

There are up to three codes per item:

• Shop product code (required): the code the seller uses for the product, such as the SKU, listing ID, item number, or ASIN.

• Manufacturer part number (optional): the manufacturer's model or part number, if the product has one.

• Barcode number (optional): the JAN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN, if the product has one.

Only the shop product code is required. The manufacturer part number and barcode are optional, and a barcode is only needed where one actually exists.

Under EU customs rules, a product ID is legally required for EU shipments with a declared value of €150 or less. The value is assessed per consignment (the whole shipment), not per original shop order, so a consolidated Blackship package counts as a single consignment.

However, our checkout currently requires a product code for every item, regardless of the shipment’s value. You will not be able to continue to payment until each item has a shop product code. (A value-based exception may be added later, but it does not apply at this moment.)

1. Request shipping to your EU address as usual.

2. After you choose your shipping options, a new step appears before payment, listing each item in your package.

3. For each item, enter the shop product code (required), plus the manufacturer part number and barcode if you have them.

4. Continue to payment as usual.

You won't be able to continue to payment until every item has a shop product code. If you have already requested shipping, you don't need to do anything.

• Shop product code: check the product page, your order confirmation from the shop, or the listing URL. Most shops include an item number or listing ID in the link.

• Manufacturer part number: usually shown on the product page or the packaging.

• Barcode number: the number printed under the barcode on the product or its packaging.

Use the listing ID or item number from the page where you bought it as the shop product code. This applies to marketplaces like Mercari and to shops such as Shinsoku or PDG, where the product code or item number is shown on the product page or your order confirmation.

For handmade items that have no manufacturer code or barcode, use the seller's or creator's own product number or listing reference as the shop product code, for example the item number or listing ID on the artist's shop page, or your order number.

Trading cards still need a product ID. Enter the listing ID or item number from where you bought them as the shop product code. If you buy multiple copies of the same product, you can use the same shop product code for each identical item.

A product ID is required for each item regardless of whether it was purchased or received for free, so there is no separate "gift" option that removes it. For a free item, use the product reference from where it came (for example the shop or membership product page) as the shop product code.

The product ID is entered as part of your customs declaration for the shipment. For a full walkthrough of completing your declaration, including item types, HS codes, and declared values, please refer to our article: Completing Your Customs Declaration

• Placeholders such as "N/A" or "none" are not accepted.

• Each code can be up to 35 characters.

• Barcode numbers must be 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits, or a 10-character ISBN.

• Please enter accurate information. Missing or incorrect product IDs may cause your shipment to be held at EU customs.

We want to be transparent about what is and isn't confirmed yet:

• Japan Post: the product ID step currently applies to EU shipments sent via FedEx and DHL. Japan Post's own requirements for transmitting product IDs are still being confirmed, and we will update this article as soon as we have more information.

• Unusual or custom items: for some less common cases (for example customized, bonus, or event items with no standard code), the best identifier to use is still being clarified. If you are unsure what to enter, please contact us before shipping and we will help.

• We are not able to look up or supply product codes on your behalf for every item, as the shop product code comes from where you purchased the item, but we are always glad to help if you are unsure what to use.