Shopping online means you have to pay import duties from time to time. Are you not sure why import duties are not included in the overall shipping costs? And do you wonder to whom you will be paying them? Continue reading to learn all about it and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Buying goods online from outside the EU
When shopping online, keep in mind that the goods you order are not always located in your country, nor within the European Union. If you receive an order from a non-European country, you may have to pay customs duties and VAT for importing goods into the European Union.
For example, goods coming from France (an EU country) are duty-free, while parcels shipped from Turkey (a non-EU country) may require you to pay additional costs. Customs authorities calculate the amount you have to pay, depending on various criteria.
Import duties and VAT
In order to deliver your package to you as quickly as possible, DHL pays the import duties and VAT to the customs authorities on your behalf. Upon delivery of your parcel, we will ask you to reimburse us. Please note that you can’t receive your parcel unless you pay the full amount of customs duties and VAT.
Who’s paying?
Normally, the receiver has to pay for import duties and taxes. However, DHL Express offers senders with a DHL account the option to pay for duties and taxes themselves. In that case the sender receives an invoice after delivery for the fees and taxes DHL paid on their behalf, plus a small administrative fee.
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