Import Duties, Taxes and Carrier Fees by Destination

For a parcel sent from China, an international freight quote tells you what the service charges to move the parcel. Separately, check whether import duty, VAT or GST, and a carrier clearance or handling fee may be collected. The destination, the goods, and the terms of the service affect which amounts apply and who collects them. French Customs explanation of import and carrier charges

Start with the destination authority

• United States — Check how mailed goods are assessed and what happens when duty is due. For a courier parcel, ask the carrier how it collects applicable charges. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on mailed goods
• United Kingdom — Read the guidance for where the parcel is being delivered. Check what the seller or carrier says it has collected and how that appears on the receipt. GOV.UK on goods sent from abroad
• Canada — Check the appropriate guidance for postal delivery or a private courier. CBSA on postal imports and CBSA on courier imports
• Australia — Check what applies to imports by mail and keep the purchase documents that show what you paid. Australian Border Force on importing by post
• European Union — Check the Commission’s guidance on recent changes to low-value parcels and your destination’s customs guidance. European Commission on low-value imports, French Customs on small parcels, and German Customs on postal and courier shipments
• Brazil — Check the postal and express shipment guide for how and when charges are assessed. Receita Federal on international parcels

Ask what the quote covers

Ask which charges are included in the shipping quote and who collects any remaining amounts. Save the invoice and parcel receipt with the item descriptions, values and currencies.

How to check a parcel payment message