Customs

What are Inco Terms?

Inco Terms are a set of standardized “rules of delivery” set up by the International Chamber of Commerce. They define who does what, who pays what, and when responsibility transfers in international shipments and are used worldwide.

What is an HS/Commodity code?

An HS/ Commodity code is a standardized number used worldwide to classify traded goods.

The code identifies what the product is, helps apply trade rules, restrictions or licenses.

It is necessary to determine import duties and taxes.

DHL Express Global Trade Services

How do I know which Documents/Licenses are necessary for Customs Clearance?

Documents

What does customs do?

Customs plays an important role worldwide in the import and export of goods. Customs wants to maintain control over the goods that enter and leave our country, in terms of taxes, safety, public health and the environment. Import duties and taxes protect the European market. That is why customs sometimes impose special requirements on the invoice, or you have to fill in extra information on your consignment note. We give you useful tips to help your shipments pass through customs as smoothly as possible.

I am asked by DHL to pay Customs duties and vat for goods that I have purchased on the internet. Why are these costs not included in the shipping costs I paid?

Customs duties and VAT are usually not included in the price and shipping costs that you pay with an online purchase. This is a choice of the supplier. When you buy goods over the internet, keep in mind that they do not always come from your own country or from the European Union. When the goods are sent from a non-EU country, you must pay customs duties and VAT upon importation into the European Union. In order to deliver the goods to you as quickly as possible, DHL advances the Customs duties and VAT owed and pays Customs. Read more about import duties and VAT.

I will be purchasing items from a company outside the European Union that uses DHL for shipping. Do I hav to pay import duties on the items I buy?

Depending on the type of goods, the value of the goods and the delivery conditions used by the supplier, customs duties may be charged for a dutiable shipment. More information can be found in our Customs brochure, in the chapter 'Import - Customs rules' and on import duties and VAT.

Do I have to pay import duties on the items I buy?

This depends on the type of goods, the value of the goods, the origin (within or outside the EU), the agreements you have made with the supplier about this and the country where you import the goods. More information can be found in our Customs brochure, in the chapter 'Import - Customs rules' and on import duties and VAT.

If customs impose duties, DHL will pay them in the first instance and pass them on to you.

My goods are second-hand. Do import duties also apply to them?

Yes, VAT and/or import duties must also be paid for goods that are older or had a previous owner.

Who must pay for the import of my package?

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).

How do I know if I have to pay to import my parcel?

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.