Answers: What is customs duty?

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Import or custom duty is a tax, or tariff, that you may need to pay if you are buying goods or services in one country, including over the internet, and having them delivered to another country.

When you buy something from abroad that is delivered to your home country, that item is considered as being imported. This is known as cross-border commerce.

Most countries will levy import tax on such e-commerce purchases, but not all purchases will be eligible for import duty. For instance, customs duty is not payable on goods that are bought between EU countries.

What you need to know about customs duties

When engaging in international e-commerce, one crucial aspect to consider is customs duties. Customs duties, also known as import duties, tariffs, or taxes, are charges imposed by governments on goods imported into a country. These charges are meant to protect domestic industries, regulate trade, and generate revenue for the government. Understanding customs duties is essential for anyone making cross-border online purchases. Here are some additional details to supplement your knowledge on this topic:

  1. Determining Factors: Customs duties are typically based on the following factors:
    • Product Classification: Goods are classified based on a standardized system called the Harmonized System (HS) codes. These codes categorize products according to their nature, composition, and intended use. Each category has a corresponding duty rate.
    • Customs Valuation: The value of the goods being imported is a key factor in calculating customs duties. Customs authorities determine the value based on factors such as the transaction price, freight and insurance charges, and any applicable adjustments or discounts.
    • Country of Origin: Customs duties can vary depending on the country from which the goods are being imported. Countries often have different trade agreements, exemptions, or preferential duty rates with specific trading partners, impacting the final duty amount.
  2. Duty-Free Allowances: Many countries establish a duty-free threshold, which refers to the maximum value of goods that can be imported without incurring customs duties. This threshold varies from country to country and can differ based on the type of goods being imported. It is crucial to research and be aware of the duty-free allowance in your country, as it can significantly impact your purchasing decisions.
  3. Types of Customs Duties: Customs duties can take different forms, including:
    • Ad Valorem Duties: These duties are calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if the duty rate is 10% and the declared value of your purchase is $100, the customs duty would amount to $10.
    • Specific Duties: Specific duties are based on a fixed amount per unit or quantity of goods. For instance, a specific duty of $2 per kilogram would mean that you pay $2 for each kilogram of the imported product.
    • Compound Duties: Some countries apply a combination of ad valorem and specific duties, where both a percentage and a fixed amount are levied.
  4. Exemptions and Preferences: Certain goods or categories may be eligible for exemptions or preferential duty rates based on specific trade agreements or national policies. For example, essential items such as medicine, books, or educational materials may be exempt from customs duties in some countries. Additionally, countries often establish preferential duty rates for goods originating from countries with which they have bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
  5. Customs Declarations and Documentation: When making an international purchase, it is essential to provide accurate and complete customs declarations. This includes providing information on the nature of the goods, their value, and any applicable invoices or receipts. Failure to provide accurate information can result in delays, penalties, or even seizure of the goods by customs authorities.
  6. Potential Additional Fees: In addition to customs duties, there may be other charges involved in the importation process. These can include customs processing fees, administrative fees, handling fees, or any applicable taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST). It is important to be aware of these potential fees when estimating the total cost of your international purchase.
  7. Customs Clearance: Customs clearance is the process by which customs authorities inspect and release imported goods. Depending on the country and the value of the goods, customs clearance can be a straightforward process or more complex. It may involve presenting supporting documents, paying customs duties and fees, and complying with any additional requirements set by the customs authorities.

Understanding customs duties and their implications is crucial for successful international e-commerce. By researching and being prepared, you can navigate the customs process more effectively, make informed purchasing decisions, and ensure a smoother delivery of your international online orders.

How does import duty affect my international online shopping?

Most countries will allow you to import certain goods, for personal use or a gift, up to certain values duty free. Most countries will also have items that are prohibited from import – mostly tobacco, alcohol and food, although there are others, and they differ between each country, so you will need to check that what you are buying is allowed entry.

The amount of duty you will be required to pay will normally depend upon things like the value and weight of the purchase, where it has come from and by what method of delivery it arrived.

When you purchase an item from overseas, the shop will generally fill out a customs declaration with information about the item and its value. Some shops, such as Amazon.com, for example, will also organise payment for the duty for you too in advance so that you do not receive a bill from Customs after it has arrived.

As well as import duty you may also be required to pay sales tax such as GST or VAT on a purchase, which is also calculated as a value of the items value.

What purchases are free from customs duty?

If you are buying from abroad and don’t want to pay import duty or sales tax, the easiest way to not pay is to buy an item that is worth less than the tax threshold for your country. This is called your personal allowance.

Although the threshold varies for different products this guide can be taken as a general rule of thumb.

For example if you buy a product outside the EU and have it delivered to the UK, it will generally be exempt if its value is under £135. *This figure is only a guide and amounts may vary between different items, check the link to be sure of amount.

Is shopping bought as a gift eligible for import duty?

Importing low value items as gifts into some countries can be duty free, so you won’t have to pay any import duty. You will need to check with the country you are receiving the shopping into, what the thresholds are. Gifts up to a certain value can also be exempt from import tax.

Can I reclaim import duty?

Yes, it is possible to reclaim customs duty from most countries. If you have paid in error have over-paid then it is possible to reclaim. Look for the correct form or procedure from your Customs Department in order to do this. Here is how you can reclaim customs duty in the UK back.

Glossary of terms

  1. Customs Duties: Also known as import duties, tariffs, or taxes, customs duties are charges imposed by governments on goods imported into a country.
  2. Harmonized System (HS) Codes: The Harmonized System is an internationally standardized system of product classification. It assigns unique codes to products, enabling uniformity in customs procedures worldwide.
  3. Duty-Free Allowance: The maximum value of goods that can be imported without incurring customs duties. This threshold varies by country and product category.
  4. Ad Valorem Duties: Customs duties calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods.
  5. Specific Duties: Customs duties based on a fixed amount per unit or quantity of goods.
  6. Compound Duties: Customs duties that combine ad valorem and specific duties, levying both a percentage and a fixed amount.
  7. Country of Origin: The country where the goods were manufactured or produced. The country of origin can impact customs duties due to trade agreements, exemptions, or preferential duty rates.
  8. Customs Valuation: The process of determining the value of imported goods for customs purposes. It includes factors such as the transaction price, freight and insurance charges, and any applicable adjustments or discounts.
  9. Exemptions: Goods or categories that are exempt from customs duties due to specific trade agreements, national policies, or regulations. Common exemptions include essential items like medicine, books, or educational materials.
  10. Preferential Duty Rates: Reduced duty rates granted to goods originating from countries with which the importing country has bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
  11. Customs Declarations: Required forms or documents providing information on the imported goods, including their nature, value, and origin. Customs declarations are essential for customs clearance.
  12. Customs Clearance: The process by which customs authorities inspect and release imported goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations. It involves presenting supporting documents, paying customs duties and fees, and meeting any additional requirements.
  13. Customs Processing Fees: Fees charged by customs authorities to cover administrative costs associated with processing imported goods.
  14. Value-Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST): Additional taxes imposed on the value of imported goods, separate from customs duties. VAT or GST rates vary by country.
  15. Seizure: The action taken by customs authorities when goods are confiscated due to non-compliance with customs regulations or illegal activities.

More info.

Follow this link to find out more about import duty and tax rates and personal allowances by country.

More resources and sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_(tax)#:~:text=A%20customs%20duty%20or%20due,exports%20an%20’export%20duty’.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/customs-duty-info#:~:text=Customs%20Duty%20is%20a%20tariff,and%20out%20of%20the%20country.

https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tariffs_e/tariffs_e.htm


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