Please watch our video guide below for an overview of international ordering, shipping, customs charges and delivery.
Please note: Information relating to US tariff charges may no longer be current due to changes in US import regulations.
How does it work?
When ordering from outside the UK:
- UK VAT (20%) will be removed from your order at checkout.
- Your local customs authority may charge import VAT, customs duty, and/or handling fees when your order arrives in your country.
- These charges are collected by the courier on behalf of your local authorities before delivery can take place.
Please note that import charges are not included in the prices shown on our website unless explicitly stated.
What is Import VAT?
Import VAT (sometimes referred to as sales tax or goods and services tax) is a tax charged by your local government on goods imported into your country. The rate varies by location and is usually based on the value of the goods, shipping costs, and any applicable customs duties.
Import VAT is separate from UK VAT. As UK VAT is removed from qualifying international orders, you will instead pay the relevant taxes required by your local authorities.
What is Customs Duty?
Customs duty is a separate charge that may be applied to imported goods.
Whether duty applies depends on:
- The type of product being imported
- The value of the shipment
- The destination country
- Any applicable trade agreements
Some products may attract little or no customs duty, while others may be subject to additional charges.
How will I pay these charges?
Most international orders are delivered by DHL. If import charges are due, DHL will normally contact you before delivery with details of any VAT, customs duty and handling fees that must be paid. Payment is usually required before your order can be released for delivery.
Can Andertons tell me what the charges will be?
Unfortunately, no. Customs regulations, tax rates and duty calculations vary between countries and can change without notice. As these charges are determined by local customs authorities, we cannot guarantee the amount you may be asked to pay.
We recommend checking with your local customs authority before placing an order if you are unsure what charges may apply.
Do I pay tax on shipping costs?
In many countries, import VAT is calculated on the total customs value of the shipment, which may include:
- The value of the goods
- Shipping costs
- Insurance costs (where applicable)
- Any customs duties payable
The exact calculation varies by country.
Why am I being charged tax when UK VAT has already been removed?
UK VAT and import VAT are different taxes. For eligible international orders, UK VAT is removed at checkout. However, your local customs authority may still charge import VAT and other fees when the goods enter your country.
What happens if I refuse to pay the import charges?
If import charges are refused and the shipment is returned to us, any costs incurred may be deducted from your refund. These costs can include:
- Return shipping charges
- Customs charges
- Courier administration fees
- Any other costs incurred in returning the shipment
For this reason, we strongly recommend checking potential import costs before placing an order.
EU Customers
Customers within the European Union should be aware that import VAT, customs duties and courier handling fees may apply to orders shipped from the UK. Click here for link to EU Country Tax Rates.
Changes to EU customs regulations mean that lower-value consignments that were previously exempt may now also be subject to customs charges.
Need Further Advice?
If you have any questions about international shipping, please contact our Customer Service team before placing your order. While we cannot calculate customs charges on your behalf, we will be happy to explain how international orders are processed and direct you to the relevant information.