Do I have to pay EU VAT or Import Taxes?
Understanding the European Customs Union, EU VAT, Import Tax and Customs Duty
Our business is based in The Netherlands, which is within the European Customs Union.
The European Customs Union (ECU) is a trade alliance formed by members of the European Union (EU), allowing them to work as a single unit.
If your order is for delivery within the European Customs Union:
- Your purchase price includes EU VAT.
- Your shipment does not cross customs borders.
- Customs or import fees do not apply.
- Ship Now Ship Later (SNSL) is available.
If your order is for delivery outside of the European Customs Union:
- Your purchase price excludes EU VAT.
- Your shipment does cross customs borders.
- Customs or import fees may be applied by your local authorities when receiving your order. These charges are usually collected by the delivery company and must be paid before your order can be delivered. The customer is responsible for any customs, handling or import fees applied by you local authorities.
- Your order can only be sent in one single shipment (SNSL is not available).
Countries Included in the European Customs Union (27 Member Countries):
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Exception Areas Not Included in the European Customs Union:
- Åland, Andorra, Mount Athos, Büsingen, Campione d'Italia, Canary Islands, Ceuta, DUMB, Helgoland, Livigno, Lake Lugano, Melilla, Monaco, Northern Ireland, San Marino.
- These exception areas are outside the geographical, excise, and VAT area of the EU.
- Shipments to these locations are considered outside of the European Customs Union.
Countries Not Included in the European Customs Union:
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), but not the European Customs Union.
- Switzerland has its own set of bilateral agreements with the European Union but is not part of the EU or the European Customs Union.
- In 2020, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) exited from the European Union and the European Customs Union.
- *UK VAT may be applied to UK orders, subject to £135 threshold ruling.
- Please see our faq "Do I have to pay UK VAT?" for more information.
