International Shipping: Customs Fees, Taxes, and What Customers Need to Know
Ordering products internationally is exciting—but it’s important to understand that once a shipment crosses a border, government regulations and carrier procedures apply. These rules are not set by us, and they can result in additional charges before your package is delivered.
This article explains how customs fees work, why they exist, and what responsibilities come with placing an international order.
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How Customs Fees Work (Real-World Examples)
🇨🇦 Canada: Duties and Taxes Are Government-Mandated
In Canada, all imported goods may be subject to duties and taxes before they are released for delivery.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):
Imported goods may be assessed customs duty based on their classification and country of origin.
In addition, imports are generally subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 5%, and in some provinces Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which in Ontario is 13%.
These taxes are calculated on the value of the goods plus any applicable duty.
In practical terms, most commercial shipments over very small exemption thresholds are taxed, and payment must be authorized before delivery can occur. These charges are required by the Canadian government—not by the seller.
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Import VAT and Duties
In the United Kingdom, import charges are also set by the government and enforced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Under UK rules:
Goods valued above £135 may be subject to customs duty, depending on the product category.
Most imported goods are also subject to import VAT, typically 20%, calculated on the value of the goods plus shipping and any duties.
As with Canada, these are statutory government charges. Sellers and carriers do not decide whether they apply.
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Why These Charges Exist
Every country has its own tax system, trade agreements, and import regulations. Governments impose import taxes and duties to:
collect national revenue
regulate trade
apply consumer taxes consistently between domestic and imported goods
These rules apply automatically when goods cross a border. No seller has the authority to waive or override them.
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What You Agree To When You Place an International Order
When you choose to purchase from our website and ship internationally, you are entering into an import transaction governed by your country’s laws.
By placing an order, you agree that:
1. You are responsible for any import duties and taxes required by your government.
2. You agree to accept delivery of the shipment, including responding to carrier or customs requests for payment authorization.
3. You understand that carriers may charge additional service fees, such as brokerage or disbursement fees, for handling customs clearance or advancing payments on your behalf.
4. Failure to pay or respond may result in the shipment being held, returned, or disposed of according to the carrier’s terms.
These responsibilities are part of international commerce and apply regardless of the seller.
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Carrier Fees vs. Government Fees
It’s important to distinguish between two different types of charges:
Government fees (duties, VAT, GST, HST):
Required by law and paid to your government.
Carrier fees (brokerage, disbursement, handling):
Charged by the shipping carrier for processing customs clearance or advancing funds. These are service fees set by the carrier, not by us.
Both may be required before delivery can be completed.
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Researching Import Fees Is the Customer’s Responsibility
Because every country has different customs laws, tax thresholds, and enforcement practices, we cannot provide precise import fee estimates for every destination worldwide.
If you have questions about:
how much tax or duty your country charges
whether a shipment will be inspected
what exemptions or thresholds apply
how fees are calculated
the only reliable source of information is your own government’s customs or tax authority.
While we can offer general guidance, any specific numbers found online are often:
outdated
incomplete
incorrect for your country, product type, or order value
We do not have access to foreign customs systems, nor do we receive advance notice of how a shipment will be assessed. Any information we could provide beyond general guidance would simply be internet research—which is not a reliable or authoritative source.
For accurate information, we strongly recommend consulting:
your country’s official customs or revenue website
your national postal service or customs agency
official government import calculators (when available)
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What Happens If Charges Are Not Paid
If customs fees are not authorized or paid:
the shipment cannot be released for delivery
the carrier may hold the package temporarily
the shipment may be returned to the sender or disposed of, depending on carrier rules and timelines
Additional charges (such as return shipping or handling) may apply in these cases.
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Final Note
International shipping is reliable and routine—but it comes with responsibilities that vary by country. Customs duties, taxes, and clearance fees are set by governments and enforced at the border, not by sellers.
We want every customer to be informed and prepared so there are no surprises when your order arrives. If you have questions before placing an order, we encourage you to research your country’s import rules or contact your local customs authority directly.
Understanding these rules upfront helps ensure a smooth and successful delivery.