Customs and Duties Guide

What to expect when your shipment reaches your country.

Every international shipment crosses a customs border, where the destination country's authorities may apply import duties or taxes before releasing it for delivery.

How duties and taxes are generally calculated

Most countries base import duty on the declared value of the shipment, the product category (often identified with an HS code), and a de minimis threshold below which no duty applies at all. These thresholds, rates and rules vary widely by country, so always check your local customs authority for the specifics that apply to you.

Declared value

The value you declare for the shipment's contents.

HS code

A standardized code classifying the type of product being imported.

De minimis threshold

A value below which many countries waive import duty entirely.

What ShipEgy provides

Every shipment that leaves our warehouse travels with a commercial invoice and a customs declaration describing its contents, quantity and declared value, generated automatically from the details you provide when you create a pre-alert or check out.

Tips for smoother customs clearance

Declare accurate contents and values — understating value to avoid duties can lead to delays, fines or seizure.
Keep your order confirmations and invoices handy for your pre-alerts, since they speed up documentation.
Check your own country's de minimis threshold and typical duty rates for the product category before ordering.
Respond quickly if your destination customs authority requests additional information for clearance.

General information only

Customs rules, duty rates and thresholds vary by country and change over time. This guide is general educational information, not legal or tax advice — always confirm specifics with your local customs authority.

Prohibited and Restricted Items Destinations