New Import Duty/VAT Thread. Read Post #1 for Rules Updated 14/11/2024

where did you buy it (what website?) / what country did it come from or website domain?

It's your responsibility to pay it.

Hi guys, hopefully someone can advise me, I have a small online retail business along with my regular dayjob, we're currently well under the VAT treshold.

We have sourced from wholesalers in Europe and in Northern Ireland, recently I have been introduced to a wholesaler in the UK offering better discounts etc and am keen to add them as a supplier understanding there are other costs to be taken into account, problem is I don't have a VAT or EORI number (I can register no prob), most or our orders are around €500 ish, 3-5 times through the year, my question is should I register or is there a better way - I think some carriers can provide the service; what do you think? Also, what obligations does having one carry? All advice gratefully received.

look at the first post in this thread. It looks about right at first glance

Vat is paid on the total plus duty, the exchange rate that customs use to calculate the fees is also quite a bit lower than your bank or Revolut(currently ¥163/€1) which would easily put it up as high as listed. It doesn't help that DHLs clearance fees are extremely high as well.

what was the total cost including shipping?

It was from Japan but in US dollars, so $218 plus $34 shipping.

I reached out to DHL and they mailed me back just there, this was there breakdown:

Total value of the goods = 218 USD + freight 65.45EUR = 265.505EUR

Duty @12% = 31.86 EUR

VAT = 31.86 + 265.51 x 23% = 68.40 EUR

Admin fee = 14.50 EUR

I may very well be out of the loop but have things changed in regards to buying cheap Chinese bits and pieces? I bought a pair of feet for my keyboard from Aliexpress for less than €5. Got a customs notice this morning for €1 something in Vat and just shy of €5 in the admin fee. Quite hilarious that the fees cost more than the item.

I thought the big Chinese sites were now including duty and VAT in their final price.

Looks like An Post are increasing their customs admin fee again on September 5th to €5.95 as per an AddressPal email.

Mod: First post on this thread. I have moved your thread on to it. Importing alcohol by post usually results in seizure, sometimes they may allow one bottle through, usually on a one off basis.

AddressPal charge the same fee as the normal An Post clearance fee. It'll be going up for all packages processed by An Post.

Not sure what the confusion is. You had an item sent from outside the EU. vat is due on imports from outside the EU. some sellers take the vat upfront and do the paperwork. Amazon, for instance, do this. De longhi must not. Probably because they don't have the volume to justify it.

if they didnt specify that customs are covered then dont expect customs to be covered.

Hi guys, bit off topic but does anyone know of any company that would have an alcohol distributors license?

it’s for a potential business venture but I want to start small (but do it right) don’t want to have to take one out if it doesn’t go well.

I’ve tried emailing the big distributors but they seem to big to even reply to me.

Any input greatly appreciated.