How to estimate the cost of customs clearance

Customs clearance price includes:

• 1
  import duty
• 2
  VAT
• 3
  customs duty or postage in certain countries: for example, it is about €15-20 in Greece, €50 in Spain and France

For more details, please visit the official websites of the post office or customs authorities of the receiving countries.

VAT rate in European countries

VAT rate for Australia, Asia, Middle East, North, South and Central America

These terms are relevant for non-commercial shipments. If customs considers the contents of the shipment to be a commercial shipment, the package will be cleared according to the rules for commercial freight or it will be returned to sender

The customs has the right not to release the shipment or to change the amount of customs payments

This may happen if the customs officer finds a violation:

• 1
  The contents of the shipment differ from the list specified in the declaration.
• 2
  The declared value differs from the real one.
• 3
  The parcel contains a commercial consignment: more than 3 identical items are sent (for example: 5 watches, 4 pairs of shoes, etc.).
• 4
  The parcel contains prohibited goods.
• 5
  Over the past month, the recipient has already received international shipments with a total value exceeding €200.

Documents for customs clearance of shipments

• Example of an invoice for individuals 
• Invoice form for individuals
• Request form for customs clearance (Kyiv Central Sorting Station)
• Request form for customs clearance (Lviv Central Sorting Station)
• List of accompanying documents for individuals to clear a shipment
• Request for return, forwarding, or changing the data of an international shipment
• International delivery claim form for individual consumers
• Customs brokerage agreement for individuals
• Guidelines for customs clearance of imported shipments at the Lviv Central Sorting Station for individuals
• Guidelines for customs clearance of imported shipments at the Kyiv Central Sorting Station for individuals
• Expert assessment of the GPS tracker

Which shipments are exempt from customs clearance

In most European countries, the following international shipments are not subject to customs duties and VAT:

• 1
  sent between individuals
• 2
  worth up to €45
• 3
  marked as “gift” or “personal belongings”

A shipment is considered a gift or personal belongings if:

• 1
  the contents of the parcel are indicated in the accompanying documents as a gift or personal belongings
• 2
  the sender of the parcel is an individual, not a company
• 3
  the parcel is marked "for personal use"
• 4
  the "Parcel from home" service is selected

Countries with duty-free shipment from Ukraine

In all other cases, customs duties shall be charged and paid by the recipient.

When checking the contents of the shipment and its compliance with the declared value, the value indicated in the invoice or description of the contents is accounted for.

If no invoice is available, the cost of the goods is estimated according to similar products in the country of origin. If the declared value is obviously understated, customs officers may adjust the price themselves.