Do You Pay Customs Duties for International Shipping?
If you’re ordering from overseas, your country’s customs office may charge import duties and taxes (VAT/GST) at the time of import. Here’s the simple, buyer-friendly version of what to expect and how our DAP policy works—so there are no surprises.
- Rules differ by country (de-minimis thresholds and tax rates vary).
- Under DAP, carrier may collect duties/taxes from you at delivery.
- Amount depends on your customs assessment; shops cannot pre-confirm it.
What Typically Happens with Duties & Taxes
United States: many parcels under USD 800 are duty-free.
European Union: VAT generally applies, even on small amounts.
Other regions: rules and thresholds differ by country.
Our Shipping Term: DAP (Delivered At Place)
Our standard international shipping uses DAP. That means we cover the shipping cost to your country. If your country’s customs assesses import duties, VAT/GST, or clearance fees, those charges are paid by the recipient to the carrier.
Before You Order
- Whether duties/taxes apply—and the amount—is determined by your local customs office.
- Carriers (e.g., DHL, FedEx) will notify you if payment is required to complete delivery.
- If you’re unsure, checking your country’s customs website can help set expectations.
HS Codes & Duty Rates: The Simple Version
Duty rates are based on the product’s HS code (an international product classification number). Three key points:
- HS codes are the “address” of a product. Customs uses them to look up the correct rate.
- Material/use can change the rate. (e.g., wooden furniture vs. plastic ornaments vs. brass articles.)
- Rates differ by country. The same HS code can have different rates in different destinations.
No need to memorize any of this—our team classifies products correctly so your delivery goes smoothly.
Quick FAQs
Will I always be charged?
Not always. Some countries have de-minimis thresholds or exemptions. If charges apply, your carrier will inform you.
Can you tell me the exact amount in advance?
Only your customs authority can finalize the amount. Shops and carriers cannot guarantee it beforehand.
How will I pay if charges apply?
Typically online or at delivery via the carrier (e.g., DHL/FedEx). They’ll send instructions.
Reference Only: HS Codes We Use for Customs
These HS codes are for customs processing and may vary by product specification; rates differ by destination country.
| Product | HS Code | Invoice English |
|---|---|---|
| Incense sticks | 3307.41 | Incense sticks (odoriferous preparations which operate by burning) |
| Brass altar goods (bell, censer, vase) | 7419.99 | Articles of brass (Buddhist ritual vessels) |
| Wooden Buddhist altar (tabletop, complete) | 9403.60 | Wooden Buddhist altar (complete furniture) |
| Plastic altar ornaments | 3926.40 | Plastic Buddhist ritual ornaments |
| Plastic Buddhist prayer beads | 3926.90 | Plastic Buddhist prayer beads |
| Cushion for bell (synthetic fibre) | 6304.93 | Cushion for Buddhist bell (furnishing article) |
| LED electric candle | 9405.40 | LED electric candle (electric lamp) |
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