Importing into the EU: a guide

Goods that move within the EU don't go through customs. Goods that come from outside the EU have to clear customs when they enter it, and import VAT, sometimes also duty, has to be paid. At Tiptrans this matters in two cases: a package that a seller outside the EU sends to our Czech warehouse, and a shipment from one of our warehouses outside the EU to an address in the EU.

Within the EU: no customs

• Packages that sellers in EU countries send to our Czech or German warehouse don't go through customs.
• Shipments from the Czech or German warehouse to an address in another EU country don't go through customs either.

Purchases from outside the EU: which warehouse

• Czech Republic: accepts packages from anywhere in the world. A package from outside the EU, for example from the USA, the UK or China, clears EU customs when it arrives.
• Germany: accepts packages from the EU only. Don't send packages from outside the EU to your German address; they are not accepted.
• Goods going on to a country outside the EU: consider the Hong Kong warehouse. It accepts packages from anywhere in the world and charges no import tax on common goods, so your goods don't clear EU customs on the way. See Which Tiptrans warehouse should I use?

The same customs rules apply when you send a package from one of our warehouses outside the EU to the Czech warehouse. See Can I move a package to another warehouse?

What a package from outside the EU costs on arrival

• Import VAT: in the Czech Republic, 21% for most goods.
• Import duty: depends on the type of goods and their value. You can look up the rate for your goods in the EU's TARIC database.
• The carrier's clearance fee: most carriers charge their own fee for handling the customs clearance.

VAT and duty are calculated from the value of the goods plus the shipping and insurance costs. We can't tell you the exact amount in advance.

Two ways to clear customs

Do it yourself with the carrier

This is usually cheaper and faster. When a package from outside the EU arrives in the Czech Republic, the carrier that delivers it, for example DHL, UPS, FedEx or Czech Post, asks the recipient for the customs details, usually through an online form. Keep the order confirmation or invoice, the proof of payment and a clear description of the goods ready. You also need an EORI number, which you can get when you need it. See What is an EORI number?

Let us clear customs for you

Our Customs assistance service handles the clearance for you.

This is our service fee, not a customs charge: VAT, duty and the carrier's fees come on top. If you don't have an EORI number yet, we can arrange it as part of the service. To arrange Customs assistance, write to us through Contact us before the package arrives, and have ready:

• a copy of your passport,
• whether the goods are for your private use,
• a description of the goods: what they are, what they are made of and what they are used for,
• the invoice and the proof of payment.

Current prices are on the price list.

Paying the import charges

• Top up before the package arrives, so your balance covers the VAT, duty and fees. See How to top up balance.
• We pay the charges to the carrier and deduct them from your balance, with the same fees as for Cash on Delivery. See Where can I use Cash on Delivery? Taxes and duties are among the few charges we add without an order from you.
• We accept the package even if your balance is too low to cover the import charges. Your balance then goes below zero, and you need to top up within 7 days.
• Import taxes and duties are your responsibility. Tiptrans can't waive or reduce them.

Shipping to an EU address from outside the EU

A shipment from our Hong Kong, China or UK warehouse to an EU address is imported in the destination country. We ship duties unpaid (DDU) by default, so the recipient pays any VAT, duty and carrier fees on delivery, unless you ask us for prepaid duties (DDP). See Prepaid duties and taxes (DDP). For shipments to the UK, see Shipping to the UK: customs, VAT and gifts. If customs asks the recipient for documents, see Customs asked for information: what to do.

From our UK warehouse

• A parcel from the UK warehouse to an EU country goes through customs in that country. That country's VAT is charged whatever the value, and duty can also apply, depending on the goods and their origin. UK-made goods can be free of duty under the trade agreement; declare their origin, and customs may ask for proof.
• The UK warehouse accepts only packages sent from within the UK. Our German warehouse doesn't accept packages from outside the EU, so don't send UK purchases there. The Czech warehouse does accept them, but import charges apply when they arrive. See Which Tiptrans warehouse should I use?

Parcels worth up to €150

• VAT on every purchase: since 1 July 2021, import VAT is due on goods you bought, whatever their value. The old €22 VAT-free limit no longer exists.
• No duty-free limit: until 30 June 2026, goods worth up to €150 per parcel were free of customs duty. Since 1 July 2026 that relief no longer exists, so duty can be due on a parcel of any value.
• Flat €3 per item for goods the seller sends you: until 1 July 2028, goods bought online that the seller sends to a buyer in the EU pay a flat duty of €3 per item instead of the normal rate, when the goods in the parcel are worth up to €150 in total (shipping not counted). An item is one type of goods, not one piece: five T-shirts are one item, a T-shirt and a watch are two.
• Parcels from our UK, Hong Kong or China warehouse: we send these on your request, not on the seller's behalf, so the flat €3 usually doesn't apply. Customs charges the normal duty rate instead, which depends on the type of goods, where they were made and their value. Customs decides which rule applies to your parcel.