Import duties: when and how much do I need to pay?

Import duties, part of customs duties, are taxes levied on products imported from countries outside the European Union. These taxes are imposed to protect the domestic market. Simply put, import duties make importing goods less attractive. In addition to import duties, customs clearance fees must also be paid. These are the costs incurred by the carrier for clearing the package through customs. Import duties apply equally to both individuals and businesses—there’s no distinction made by customs.

Why are import duties charged?

When importing goods from outside the European Union, you usually need to pay import duties. The amount depends on the TARIC code of the product and the country of origin. Additionally, it’s important to check if tariff preference applies to your shipment. This is a trade policy agreement that allows certain products to be imported without paying duties.