Why do I have to pay duty and taxes?

Duty and Taxes can be charged on all products shipped from outside of the EU with a value over €22. The person or business receiving the shipment is legally obliged to pay Duty and Taxes. If the recipient is a private individual, the sender can agree to accept these charges in the original contract of sale. 

Controlled by Customs, the purpose of this charge is to bring the cost of imported goods up to the same cost as those produced within the EU to keep competition fair and can be a combination of VAT, Customs Duty and Excise Duty.

You pay VAT on goods sent from non-European Union (EU) countries and EU special territories if they’re:

• Gifts worth more than €45
• Other goods worth more than €22

You’ll be charged VAT Duty on gifts and other goods sent from outside the EU if they’re:

• Gifts worth more than €45 per person 
• Gifts above €150 have a Duty rate depending on the type of goods and where they travelled from
• Anything under €150 has no Duty charge at all

Please visit our dedicated Duty and Tax page for further information on what to do:

• If you think you have already paid your Duty and Tax
• You don’t think your shipment should have a Duty and Tax bill as it is a Gift, Sample etc.
• You no longer want your shipment
• If you would like to make a payment

For more information about Duties and Tax charges you can also contact Customs helpline on 029 55201 (private individuals) or 029 55202 (companies), or visit the Customs website.