From November 1, 2026, the EU will implement new Product Identifier (PID) declaration requirements for eligible cross-border e-commerce imported goods. eBay has issued a notice reminding sellers to check their listing information promptly and ensure that relevant data can be accurately transmitted to logistics providers and customs declarants.

Missing or inaccurate product identification information may cause customs clearance delays, longer processing times, and even affect parcel delivery.

1. Core content of the new rule: What exactly is PID?

PID stands for Product Identifier. The EU introduced this requirement mainly to improve the traceability of imported goods, help customs identify specific products, and strengthen product safety and compliance oversight.

According to information released by EU customs, starting November 1, 2026, the relevant rules will apply to cross-border e-commerce distance sales of goods imported from outside the EU to consumers, where the intrinsic value of the goods does not exceed EUR 150. The specific declaration scope must also be determined based on transaction models and customs declaration procedures.

The identification information to be declared is mainly divided into three categories:

1. M-PID: Merchant Product Identifier

It is used to identify products in the seller's or platform's system. The example given in eBay's notice is the listing ID, which sellers can find in the "About this item" section of the product details.

2. NS-PID: Non-standardized Manufacturer Product Identifier

It is assigned by the manufacturer, producer, or supplier, such as the manufacturer part number (MPN), model number, or style code. Sellers should provide the actual code that accurately identifies the product sold.

3. S-PID: Standardized Product Identifier

This refers to product identifiers that use internationally accepted standards, such as GTIN, EAN, UPC, and ISBN. If an applicable standardized identifier exists for the product, it should be provided as required; if it truly does not exist, the relevant exception must be handled according to customs declaration rules.

Special reminder: M-PID and NS-PID are mandatory identification information; S-PID is provided only when an applicable code exists. If the product has no standardized identifier, EU customs declaration rules provide that exception code Y081 may be used to indicate that no standardized product identifier exists, rather than fabricating a barcode.

2. eBay platform supporting requirements

eBay has issued a seller notice regarding the new PID rule and reminded sellers to prepare according to different shipping methods. Note that adding information to the listing page does not necessarily mean the logistics and customs declaration process is complete.

1. Sellers using eBay international shipping services

If using international shipping services such as eBay Global Shipping (EGS), sellers should follow the corresponding service guidelines to complete product identification information.

The official eBay Global Shipping guide shows that the PID entry feature is scheduled to open on October 23, 2026. Sellers can create product PID profiles on the platform, save them, and select the corresponding profile when creating logistics orders to reduce repeated entry.

2. Sellers who ship independently or use logistics services such as SpeedPAK

If sellers arrange shipping on their own or use logistics services such as SpeedPAK, they need to confirm with the carrier in advance:

1. Whether the logistics system supports PID-related fields.

2. Where M-PID, NS-PID and applicable S-PID should be filled in.

3. How to submit exception information such as Y081 when there is no standardized product identifier.

4. Whether product information can be accurately transmitted to the final customs declaration process.

If the required information is not provided to the carrier, problems such as customs clearance delays, longer processing times, or delivery interruptions may occur. The specific entry method should follow the requirements of the logistics channel used.

3. Key urgent actions for sellers

Step 1: Screen EU orders and products

Review goods shipped from outside the EU to EU consumers, focusing on cross-border e-commerce orders with an intrinsic value not exceeding EUR 150. Confirm the applicable scope based on the actual declaration model.

Step 2: Organize product identifiers

Create product profiles by SKU and verify the Listing ID, MPN, model number, style code, and applicable GTIN, EAN, UPC, or ISBN.

Step 3: Check logistics declaration capability

Contact logistics providers to confirm PID fields, data transmission methods, and the declaration process when there is no S-PID. Do not only check the eBay backend.

Step 4: Spot-check and test shipping

Select products from different categories to check whether the records match the physical goods, verify that identifiers for multi-SKU orders correspond item by item, and confirm declaration data before official shipment.

Final note:

The key point of eBay's EU PID rule is to extend product identification information from seller listings and product data management all the way to customs declaration.

For Chinese cross-border sellers, it is recommended to prioritize three things at this stage: organize product codes, verify logistics channels, and test the declaration process. Do not wait until the new rule takes effect on November 1 to discover that products lack necessary information or that the logistics system cannot declare properly.

The above is the content shared by Yiju Overseas. Feel free to leave comments and discuss at any time!