How are import costs calculated?
The costs to import goods from outside the EU consist of 3 parts:
VAT
For all goods coming from outside the EU, a percentage of VAT on the value of the goods must be paid. This percentage varies between 6% (books) and 21% (electronic products). Please note that the VAT due for importing goods is calculated not only on the price you paid to the seller but also on certain additional costs such as shipping costs and the administrative fee charged by Bpost(1) for completing customs formalities.
Custom duties
From 1 July 2026, customs duties to online purchases with an order value of up to €150.
The amount you pay depends on the value of your shipment and whether it is a gift, an online purchase or an item sent by a private individual.
Customs formalities or administrative fees
If the online shop did not collect the VAT and customs duties at checkout, we handle the customs clearance on your behalf. An administrative fee is charged to cover this service.
These costs include:
- the calculation of import taxes
- transferring the taxes to the government
- requesting additional missing information (e.g. licenses or invoices)
- storage costs
From 1st January 2026, bpost will charge the following fees for customs formalities:
0 euro | for private shipments with a value of up to €45. In this case, the sender has to prove that the shipment is a gift. (Please note: alcoholic products, perfume, toilet water, tobacco and tobacco products are subject to fees, even if they are gifts). |
21.5 euros(2) | for customs formalities regarding non-exempted items with a maximum value of 150 euros. |
40 euros(2) | for customs formalities regarding non-exempted items with a value over 150 euros. |
(1) To avoid double taxation, the import fees owed to bpost do not include VAT (exempt). You already pay VAT on these fees when you import your goods, just as you do on the delivery charges.
(2) This fee is exempt from VAT (VAT incl. = VAT excl.), this exemption of the service by bpost applies as this cost is already added to the price of the goods for calculation of the import VAT due on the goods (see also (1) above). The import VAT is collected by Bpost in name and on behalf of the addressee and transmitted to the authorities.
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