International Shipping

Understanding customs regulations, tax policies, and tariff rate references for major countries in international shipping

International Shipping Customs and Taxes

1. Understanding Destination Country Tariff Rates and Related Regulations

1.1 Prohibited Items

Different countries have varying regulations on prohibited items, common ones include:

  • Cash, precious metals
  • Animals, plants and their products
  • Liquids, powder substances
  • Fresh food, tobacco

Special Note: South Korea prohibits meat products from entering the country. Such items are easily seized, detained, or lost by customs.

1.2 Tariff Policies

Understand tariff thresholds, tax rates, and regional policies. See the "Major Countries Tariff Rate Reference" below for details.

1.3 Import/Export Restrictions

Including weight, value, size, and quantity limitations. For example, high-value goods of the same name, model, or style exceeding N pieces have a higher probability of being subject to additional tariffs.

2. Choosing Appropriate Shipping Methods

2.1 Air Freight

  • Advantages: Fast, suitable for urgent, small quantity, high-value items
  • Disadvantages: Relatively high cost
  • Delivery Time: Europe 5-12 days, better choice when less than 10 items

2.2 Sea Freight

  • Advantages: Low cost, suitable for heavy, large volume, non-urgent goods
  • Disadvantages: Longer delivery time
  • Delivery Time: USA 30-45 days, better choice when more than 15 items

3. How to Package and Label

3.1 Packaging Materials

Choose appropriate packaging based on item properties:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Bubble wrap
  • Vacuum packaging
  • Corner protectors, edge strips

3.2 Packaging Methods

  • Fragile items: Choose strong bubble wrap
  • Liquid items: Must be sealed to prevent leakage

3.3 Labeling Information

Clearly mark on packaging:

  • Recipient name, address, contact information
  • Item name, weight, dimensions (add as needed)

4. Declaration Information

4.1 Declared Value

  • Requirement: Reasonable and accurate declaration
  • Note: Do not declare too high or too low to avoid abnormal verification or losses

4.2 Item Description

  • Requirement: Precisely fill in item name, quantity, value, purpose
  • Prohibited: Do not use vague or false declarations

5. Customs Inspection Risks and Response

5.1 Inspection Risks

5.1.1 Increased Inspection Probability

Sensitive items or items with distorted values are easily subject to verification, such as:

  • Chemicals
  • Electronic goods

5.1.2 Cargo Delays

Inspection takes time and affects regular shipping, especially for time-sensitive fresh food or spare parts.

5.1.3 Additional Costs

Items with mismatched names, quantities, or prices will be subject to:

  • Fines
  • Return to customs
  • Detention

5.1.4 Legal Risks

Violating tariff regulations or false trade may lead to:

  • Investigation
  • Fines
  • Criminal compliance

5.2 Risk Reduction Methods

5.2.1 Choose Standardized Platforms

Can obtain shopping receipts, invoices, etc. in real-time as customs declaration proof.

5.2.2 Honest Declaration

Ensure accurate item value declaration to prevent under-declaration or concealment.

5.2.3 Ensure Compliance

  • Avoid shipping high-risk goods such as rare plants, medicines, etc.
  • For controlled goods, obtain legal procedures and documents first

5.2.4 Maintain Communication

Keep communication channels open from shopping to shipping for better time efficiency.

Major Countries Tariff Rate Reference

| Country | Tariff Threshold/Local Currency | VAT Rate | Other | |---------|----------------------------------|----------|-------| | European Union | 150 EUR | 0%～27% varies | The EU has 27 member states: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria.

Tariffs and VAT: EU member states have certain duty-free allowances for personal packages. For example, non-commercial packages valued at no more than 150 euros are usually exempt from tariffs and import VAT. However, if the package value exceeds this limit, corresponding taxes and fees need to be paid.

• Tariff threshold: Starting from March 1, 2024, all low-value goods imported from non-EU countries, regardless of shipping method, are subject to VAT. The previous policy of exempting import tariffs and VAT for items under 22 euros has been cancelled.

• Rate range: EU tariff rates vary according to different goods, adopting ad valorem, specific, or compound taxation methods. Generally, agricultural products, textiles, and clothing have relatively high tariffs, while electronic products, mechanical equipment, and other industrial manufactured goods have relatively low tariffs.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Tariff rates are usually around 10%-20%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-5%, depending on product specifications and functions.
￮ Food: Ordinary food tariff rates are around 5%-15%, while some special foods such as high-end seafood, imported fruits, etc. may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 5%-10%, while also needing to comply with EU department regulations. | | United States | 800 USD | 0%～37.5% varies | Rate range and common rates: Tariff rates depend on the type and value of imported goods, generally ranging from 0% to 37.5%, with an average tariff rate of 5.63%. Specifically:

• Some duty-free goods: Certain products, such as electronic products, original oil paintings and antiques over 100 years old, can be exempt from tariffs.

• Low-rate goods: Some daily necessities, ordinary clothing, etc. may be subject to lower tariff rates, such as around 0%-5%.

• Medium-rate goods: Goods like furniture, toys, etc. may have tariff rates between 5%-15%.

• High-rate goods: Some special goods, such as tobacco, alcohol, etc., have relatively high tariff rates, possibly reaching 20%-37.5%. | | Canada | 20 CAD | 5%～20% varies | Rate range: Generally, private package tariff rates range from 5% to 20%, with specific rates depending on the type and value of items in the package.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Most clothing tariff rates are around 10%-18%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 5%-15%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as candy, cookies, etc. may be around 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-15%, while also needing to comply with Canadian Health Department regulations. | | Australia | 1000 AUD | 0%～10% | • Rate range: Most goods have tariff rates between 0%-10%, with specific rates varying according to product classification and country of origin.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 5%-10%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-5%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as candy, cookies, etc. may be around 5%-10%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 5%-10%, while also needing to comply with Australian Health Department regulations. | | United Kingdom | 135 GBP | 0%～20% | • Tariff threshold: The UK's tariff threshold is 135 pounds, meaning that when goods are valued at no more than 135 pounds, tariffs are generally not required, but VAT may be required.

• Rate range: The UK's VAT rate is 20%, and most goods have tariff rates between 0%-10%, with specific rates varying according to product classification and country of origin.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 5%-10%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-5%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as candy, cookies, etc. may be around 5%-10%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 5%-10%, while also needing to comply with UK department regulations. | | Mexico | 50 USD | 0%～40% | • Tariff threshold: Mexico's tariff threshold is 50 US dollars. If goods are valued at no more than 50 US dollars, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Mexico's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, ranging from 0% to 45%. For example, some basic daily necessities, books, etc. may enjoy lower tariff rates or even be duty-free, while some luxury goods, cars, etc. may face higher tariff rates.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 15%-25%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-15%, depending on product specifications and functions.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-20%, while also needing to comply with Mexican department regulations. | | Russia | 200 EUR | 0%～50% | • Tariff threshold: Starting from April 1, 2024, for goods shipped from abroad by Russian Post and courier companies, the duty-free limit is 200 euros (20,000 rubles) and 31 kg; for cross-border goods transported by land or water, or luggage carried into the country, the limit is 500 euros (49,998 rubles) and 25 kg; for air freight goods, the limit is 10,000 euros (999,964 rubles) and 50 kg.

• Rate range: Russian tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 50%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 10%-20%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 5%-15%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-20%, while also needing to comply with Russian department regulations. | | Switzerland | 65 CHF | 0%～8.1% | • Tariff threshold: Switzerland's tariff threshold is 65 Swiss francs. If goods are valued at no more than 65 Swiss francs, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Switzerland's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 8.1%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 5%-10%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-5%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 5%-10%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 5%-10%, while also needing to comply with Swiss department regulations. | | Norway | 350 NOK | 0%～25% | • Tariff threshold: Norway's tariff threshold is 350 Norwegian kroner. If goods are valued at no more than 350 Norwegian kroner, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Norway's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 25%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 10%-15%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-10%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 10%-15%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-15%, while also needing to comply with Norwegian department regulations. | | Chile | 30 USD | 0%～25% | • Tariff threshold: Chile's tariff threshold is 30 US dollars. If goods are valued at no more than 30 US dollars, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Chile's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 25%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 10%-20%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-15%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-20%, while also needing to comply with Chilean department regulations. | | Brazil | 50 USD | 0%～60% | • Tariff threshold: Brazil's tariff threshold is 50 US dollars. If goods are valued at no more than 50 US dollars, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Brazil's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 60%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 20%-35%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 10%-30%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 15%-30%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 15%-30%, while also needing to comply with Brazilian department regulations. | | Saudi Arabia | 1000 SAR | 0%～15% | • Tariff threshold: Saudi Arabia's tariff threshold is 1000 Saudi riyals. If goods are valued at no more than 1000 Saudi riyals, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Saudi Arabia's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 15%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 5%-12%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-10%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 5%-15%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 5%-15%, while also needing to comply with Saudi department regulations. | | Thailand | 1500 THB | 0%～40% | • Tariff threshold: Thailand's tariff threshold is 1500 Thai baht. If goods are valued at no more than 1500 Thai baht, tariffs are generally not required.

• Rate range: Thailand's tariff rates vary according to product type and value, generally ranging from 0% to 40%.

• Common rate examples:
￮ Clothing: Generally tariff rates are around 10%-30%.
￮ Electronic products: Such as mobile phones, computers, etc., tariff rates may be between 0%-20%.
￮ Food: Different types of food have varying tariff rates, such as ordinary snacks, beverages, etc. may be around 10%-30%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher rates, or even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates.
￮ Cosmetics: Cosmetics tariff rates are generally around 10%-30%, while also needing to comply with Thai department regulations. |

Note: The above information is for reference only. For detailed tariff rate descriptions, please refer to the official documentation of the destination country for package shipping.