Customs payments for recipients of parcels from abroad

As of July 1, 2026, new European Union rules regarding the control and taxation of parcels from non-EU countries come into effect. The amount of customs payments now directly depends on whether the parcel contains commercial goods from an online store or a private gift.

Purchases from online stores and marketplaces

For all goods purchased online (e.g., from e-stores, trading platforms, and marketplaces) outside the EU, the €150 threshold for customs duty exemption is abolished.

Parcel cost up to €150
A fixed duty of €3 is charged per item (line in the customs declaration).
VAT of 21% is applied.
Parcel cost over €150
Standard import duty is charged (in accordance with the TARIC customs tariff, typically ranging from 0% to 18% depending on the type of goods).
VAT of 21% is applied.

Important note for purchases: If you refuse the parcel and it is returned to the seller (online store), the fixed duty of €3 is non-refundable as per customs authority resolutions.

Private parcels between individuals / Gifts

If the parcel is sent to you by a private individual (e.g., family or friends) as a non-commercial gift, the exemption threshold remains in place. The fixed duty of €3 does not apply to such parcels.

Gift cost up to €45: No customs duties (customs duty or VAT) are charged (provided the parcel meets the conditions for non-commercial shipments).
Gift cost over €45: The parcel is subject to standard customs clearance. Standard import duty (according to the TARIC tariff) and VAT of 21% are applied.

Special procedure for parcels valued over €150

If the declared value of your parcel (whether purchase or gift) exceeds €150, customs clearance has specific features and requires your involvement:

Separate arrangement: Clearance of such a shipment will be separately arranged with the recipient by our staff.
Signing a power of attorney: To represent your interests before the customs authorities and successfully clear the shipment, the recipient is required to sign a power of attorney.

The power of attorney form or a link for electronic signing will be sent to the recipient's email address (the one provided when the parcel was sent).

Completion of clearance: Customs clearance will be carried out and completed only after we receive the signed power of attorney from the recipient. The parcel will then be moved on for delivery.

How are customs payments now calculated?

The basis for calculation is the customs value of the parcel, which consists of the cost of the goods as stated in the invoice or declaration, plus shipping costs.

VAT calculation formula for purchases up to €150:

For commercial purchases, VAT is now calculated on the amount that already includes the cost of the goods, shipping costs, and the added fixed duty.
VAT base = Cost of goods + Shipping cost + Fixed duty (€3)

Example: If a T-shirt costs €10 and shipping is €5, the fixed duty is €3. VAT at 21% will be charged on the total amount of €18 (rather than €15).

Accrual and payment of customs duties

Payment of customs duties is a mandatory condition for receiving your parcel

If customs duties are accrued on your parcel, we will notify you that the cargo has arrived for customs clearance.
Once the customs authority calculates the amount of duties, you will receive a detailed notification with the exact amount in the Nova Post mobile app.

We will also send you an SMS notification and an email (or letter to your address) based on the contact details provided during shipment.

Payment methods

In the Nova Post mobile app
online by bank card
Upon collection at a Nova Post branch
by card or cash
Upon courier delivery to your address
by card or cash (currently available only for recipients in Prague)

*For parcels delivered to parcel lockers or partner pick-up points, only advance online payment in the mobile app is available.

How to pay in the app

Once customs duties have been accrued, a button for online payment will automatically appear in the details of your parcel, in the "Parcel Information" section. After successful payment, the cargo will be released for further delivery.