Customs, duties and VAT on agent parcels
Your parcel may face customs, duty or VAT when it lands — and no agent can remove those. Here’s who charges what and how to avoid surprises.
Shipping is only part of the landed cost. When a parcel crosses a border, your own country may add customs duty and/or VAT — and that’s outside any agent’s control. Knowing how it works keeps it from being a shock.
Who charges what
The destination country’s customs authority — not the agent — assesses duty and tax, usually based on the declared value and the item category. Every country sets its own rules and its own “de-minimis” threshold below which small parcels may be exempt.
Reducing surprises
- Learn your country’s de-minimis threshold and typical rates before you buy.
- Expect that higher-value or consolidated parcels are more likely to be taxed.
- Keep your order records in case customs asks for proof of value.
- Don’t count on under-declaration — it can mean seizure, fines or delays.
Restricted and prohibited items
Separately from tax, some goods simply can’t be shipped on certain lines or into certain countries. Check both the line’s rules and your country’s import rules before you submit a parcel.
Customs rules and thresholds differ by country and change — check your national customs authority, and confirm line and declaration details on the official Wheebuy site.
Common questions
Maybe. Customs, duty and VAT are decided by your own country based on the parcel’s declared value and category. Whether you’re charged depends on local thresholds, which vary widely.
No legitimate agent can guarantee a parcel skips customs, and you shouldn’t rely on under-declaring value — that carries its own risks. Plan for possible charges instead.
It’s the value written on the parcel’s customs paperwork. Your destination country uses it to decide duty and tax.
Put this guide into practice
Browse finds on W2CSpreadsheet, then order, check QC and ship through the official Wheebuy site.