My shipment IMPORT DUTIES AND/OR VAT

If you purchase from a business within the European Union, then you have nothing to worry about. You will not have to pay anything extra to import your parcel.

If you purchase books, clothing, or other items from businesses that are located outside of the European Union, then you may have to pay import duties or VAT.

• Shipments with a value up to € 150. Customs will not charge any import duties on these shipments. This value limit does not apply to excise goods; Customs will always charge excise duties on these goods. VAT is calculated in all cases. Also for shipments with a value up to € 22. From 1 July 2021, the VAT exemption for shipments up to € 22 has been abolished. Import declaration at customs is always required, this is carried out by DHL Express.
• Shipments between private individuals with a value up to € 45. Customs will not charge import duties and VAT on these shipments. Exception: excise goods such as tobacco or alcoholic beverages. Excise goods between private individuals are linked to maximum quantities. Import declaration to customs is always required, this is carried out by DHL Express.

These costs are paid in advanced by DHL Express and will be charged to you before we deliver the parcel. 

Any import duties and VAT will be charged to the person importing the goods. The sender can choose to have the costs invoiced to another party by means of the Duty Taxes Paid (DTP) billing service.

If the sender does not pay the import duties and VAT, DHL will pay the import duties and VAT due to Customs so that your parcel can be imported. DHL will pass on to you the costs it pays to Customs. Your parcel can only be delivered to you once you have paid the full amount and administration fees* to DHL.

*DHL charges a 2% administration fee for this service, with a minimum of €16.50 (excl. VAT).

Calculation of import duties:

This is a percentage of the sum of the value of the goods + a percentage of the transport costs up to the EU border.
This sum is called customs value. The percentage of the transport costs depends on the country/region from which the parcel was sent. The percentage of import duties is determined by Customs.

Calculation of VAT:This is a percentage of the sum of the value of the goods + 100% transport costs + import duties. This sum is known as the taxable amount. The percentage of VAT is determined by the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst).