Free tool
Customs calculator
Enter the goods value, category and origin country. Instantly see the total cost including duty and VAT — no surprises at collection.
How it works
EU import rules in a nutshell
€0 – €150: VAT only
Below €150 no duty is charged. You pay only VAT (21%) on the total shipment value (goods + shipping). This applies from €0 — the €22 VAT exemption was abolished in 2021.
€150+: duty + VAT
Above €150 duty also applies (by goods category and HS code, typically 0–12%). VAT is then calculated on a larger base: goods + shipping + duty. Formula: VAT base = customs value + duty; VAT = base × 21%.
Customs clearance fee
Above €150 the carrier or post charges a handling fee for customs clearance: couriers (DHL, UPS) ~€15–25 per shipment. The calculator does not include this fee — it varies too much by carrier.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
From what value is customs duty charged when importing into the EU? expand_more
Duty is charged on goods from countries outside the EU when the customs value of the shipment (goods + shipping) exceeds €150. Below this threshold no duty is collected, but VAT (21% in most EU countries) applies from the first euro — this rule has been in place since July 2021 when the €22 VAT exemption was abolished.
How much VAT will I pay on a parcel from the USA or China? expand_more
The standard EU VAT rate is typically 20–23% depending on the country. VAT is calculated on the customs value (goods price + shipping) plus any duty. Example: goods €100, shipping €20 → customs value €120 → VAT = €120 × 21% = €25.20. Below €150 no duty applies; above €150 duty is added first and VAT is calculated on the larger base including duty.
What is the duty rate for electronics from the USA? expand_more
Most consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones) are duty-free in the EU under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). In practice you pay only VAT. Exceptions exist for some electronics outside the ITA — for example certain home appliances may attract a 2–3% duty rate.
What is a customs clearance fee and how much does it cost? expand_more
A customs clearance fee (handling fee) is an amount charged by the carrier or postal service for processing your shipment through customs. Couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) typically charge €15–25 per shipment. This fee is separate from duty and VAT — it is a service charge for the administrative work.
Is duty charged on gifts? expand_more
Personal gifts (not commercial) are exempt up to €45 — below this value no duty or VAT is collected, provided the shipment is between private individuals (not from a trader). This exemption applies only to shipments labelled as "gift" with a declared value up to €45. Above €45 or for commercial shipments, standard rules apply.