
As the UK and EU navigate their post-Brexit trade relationships, import duty from EU to UK has become a crucial aspect of international trade. The UK's departure from the EU's single market has introduced new customs procedures and tax obligations.
The UK government has established the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to facilitate the movement of goods across the border. This online system allows traders to submit their customs declarations and pay any applicable duties.
Import duty rates on goods from the EU to the UK vary depending on the type of goods being imported. For example, food products are subject to a 0% duty rate, while textiles and clothing are subject to a 12% duty rate.
To avoid any potential delays or penalties, it's essential for traders to accurately classify their goods and calculate the correct duty rate. The UK's customs authorities use the Harmonized System (HS) code to determine the duty rate for imported goods.
Worth a look: Canadian Import Duties
UK Customs and Charges

The UK has its own set of rules and regulations governing the movement of goods into and out of the country, known as the UK Tariff. It's split into three volumes and numerous appendices, and most traders refer to it to check specific requirements and duty rates that apply to particular goods.
If you're importing goods into the UK, you'll need to pay import VAT and duty on purchases above £135. This is a change that occurred after the UK left the EU in 2021.
Customs duties may apply to your imported goods, depending on the type of product and its value. These duties are set by the EU's Common External Tariff and can range from 0% to 20% or higher for specific goods like textiles, electronics, or alcohol.
Here are some examples of duty rates for different types of goods:
You can use the Trade Tariff service to check duty rates for specific goods. The ChamberCustoms UK Import Customs Calculator is also a useful resource for estimating duty payable, but keep in mind that it's only an estimation.
If you've made a mistake or completed your customs declaration incorrectly, you'll need to pay duty. However, if you've already paid duty and made a mistake, you can apply to HMRC to get any overpaid duty reimbursed.
Readers also liked: Duty Free Shopping Usa Canada Border
Understanding Customs Rules

The Rules Of Origin agreement between the UK and the EU means you don't have to pay customs charges on EU-made products, but you'll need an origin declaration from your retailer to prove it.
To avoid surprise customs duties, research the specific duty rates for your products based on the country and product classification.
Customs duties may apply to products valued above €150, depending on the type and country. The duty rate varies by product type and country, and can range from 0% to 20% or higher.
Here are some examples of duty rates for specific products:
You'll need to check the specific duty rates for your products, as they can vary significantly.
Import Taxes and Duties
Import taxes and duties can be a complex and confusing topic, but don't worry, I've got the basics covered.
Customs duties may apply to goods imported from the EU to the UK, and the rate varies by product type and country. Typically, customs duties are charged on goods with a value above £135, although this threshold may differ by country. The duty rate is determined by the commodity code (or HS code) of the product and can range from 0% to 20% or higher.

Here's a rough idea of the customs duty rates for some common goods:
It's essential to research the specific duty rates for your products based on the country and product classification. You can use the Chamber Customs UK Import Tax Calculator to get an estimate of the duty payable.
Calculating UK Import Duty and Taxes
Calculating UK import duty and taxes can be a complex task, but understanding the basics can help you navigate the process. Import duty is a type of tax payable on the value of imported goods.
To calculate UK import duty and other taxes, you need to research the specific duty rates for your products based on the country and product classification. This can be done by looking up the UK Tariff and using the ChamberCustoms UK Import Tax Calculator.
You'll need to locate your product by searching the Tariff by keywords or by looking up the product's commodity code if you know it. Another critical element to know is the country of origin of your product. Your goods may benefit from a preferential rate of import duty, but this varies by product type and country.
Recommended read: Import Tax Canada to Us

Here are some general guidelines on customs duty rates in the UK:
Keep in mind that customs duties are set by the EU's Common External Tariff and vary by product type and country. Typically, customs duties are charged on goods with a value above £135, although this threshold may differ by country.
Import VAT is also a crucial factor in calculating UK import duty and taxes. This is calculated as a percentage of the product's value plus shipping and insurance costs. For example, if a customer in France buys a product worth €100 from a UK seller, and the French VAT rate is 20%, they will have to pay €20 in VAT at the point of delivery.
VAT rates in the UK vary by product type and can range from 0% to 20%. For example, a £200 coat bought from a German website could attract 12% customs duty, VAT at 20% is then applied to the total of £224, giving a VAT bill of £44.80. Once the courier has added its £11.50 admin fee, the UK consumer must pay £80.30 to the courier on the doorstep before it will hand over the item.
Excise Duty

Excise Duty is a tax you'll need to pay on certain goods brought into the UK. If you receive alcohol or tobacco from outside the UK, you'll be charged Excise Duty at current rates.
It doesn't matter if you buy the goods or they're sent as a gift, you'll still need to pay the duty. If the goods are sent from the EU to Northern Ireland, check that the Excise Duty was included in the price, or your goods may be seized.
Large businesses can use the Trade Tariff service to check duty rates for goods received for their business. Your goods can also be seized if they're spirits over 35 centilitres without a UK duty stamp or cigarettes or hand-rolling tobacco without UK health warnings or fiscal marks.
Calculating Import Costs
Import VAT is a percentage of the product's value plus shipping and insurance costs, and it will depend on the destination country and type of goods being shipped.
The VAT rate can be as high as 20%, so it's essential to factor it into your calculations. For example, if a customer in France buys a product worth €100 from a UK seller, they will have to pay €20 in VAT at the point of delivery.
To calculate UK import duty and other taxes, you need to look at The UK Tariff and use the ChamberCustoms UK Import Tax Calculator.
The UK Tariff is a database of commodity codes and their corresponding duty rates, and it's a crucial resource for calculating import costs.
You'll need to locate your product by searching the Tariff by keywords or by looking up the product's commodity code if you know it.
Customs duties may apply depending on the type of product and its value, and they're set by the EU's Common External Tariff.
Typically, customs duties are charged on goods with a value above €150, although this threshold may differ by country.
Here's a rough guide to customs duty rates for some common products:
Note that duty rates can vary, so it's essential to research the specific rates for your products based on the country and product classification.
The duty rate is determined by the commodity code (or HS code) of the product, and it can range from 0% to 20% or higher for specific goods like textiles, electronics, or alcohol.
Importing from the EU
Importing from the EU can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to paying import charges. UK consumers now face UK VAT, rather than local rates, as well as customs duty and courier admin charges.
The rules changed on 1 January 2021, so if you're buying from an EU website, you might be hit with a £100 customs bill. This is because UK consumers are now supposed to pay the UK's prevailing VAT rate, which can range from 0% to 20% depending on the item.
Lots of smaller EU-based retailers have decided it's not worth the hassle of collecting UK VAT, so they're no longer supplying UK consumers. However, some EU retailers have carried on as before and are sending out orders without deducting the VAT, which can lead to couriers demanding payment on the doorstep.
If you're receiving a gift from the EU worth more than £39, you'll face a bill for import VAT at 20%. Items below £135 bought through big online marketplaces like Amazon will have had UK VAT added, so you won't have to pay extra.
But if you're buying something above £135, it's more complicated. You'll not only have to pay import duty, which can range from 0% to 25% of the item's value, but also VAT on the total amount. The courier will also add their admin charge, which can range from £8 to £11.50.
Here's a rough idea of what you might expect to pay:
Keep in mind that these are just examples, and the actual charges will depend on the specific item and its value. It's worth researching the specific duty rates for your products based on the country and product classification.
Working with Customs
You'll need to pay import VAT and duty on purchases above £135 if you're in the UK buying goods internationally.
Before Brexit, the rules were different, but now the UK is subject to its own customs regulations.
Import duty is a type of tax payable on the value of imported goods, so it's essential to understand how it's calculated.
Avoiding UK Customs Charges
If you're buying from the EU or USA to the UK, be aware that Brexit changed the rules on customs charges. Before Brexit, buyers in the UK didn't have to pay import duties and customs charges on purchases from the EU.
You'll now need to pay import VAT and duty on purchases above £135. The UK's departure from the EU means that buyers are no longer exempt from these charges.
Customs Broker Near You
Having a customs broker near you can be a lifesaver when navigating the complex world of customs regulations. ChamberCustoms has over 40 locations across the UK, from Inverness in the north to Dorset in the south.
You can use their UK Import Customs Calculator to quickly and easily check specific requirements and duty rates for particular goods, like importing fresh avocados of Mexican origin from Mexico.
The UK Tariff is the official set of rules and regulations governing the movement of goods into and out of the UK, split into three volumes and numerous appendices.
On a similar theme: Canada Customs Duty Limits
If you've made a mistake or the customs declaration has been completed incorrectly, you'll have to pay duty, but you can apply to HMRC to get any overpaid duty reimbursed.
A customs declaration is the document that makes the importation of your goods legal, and it's essential to ensure your goods are in free circulation before selling or delivering them to your customer.
The standard Customs Procedure Code to clear your goods is CPC 4000 000, also known as 'Release of goods to Free Circulation'.
Import VAT and Duties
Import VAT is a type of tax payable on goods entering the Eurozone from the UK. It's calculated as a percentage of the product's value plus shipping and insurance costs.
For example, if a customer in France buys a product worth €100 from a UK seller, and the French VAT rate is 20%, they'll have to pay €20 in VAT at the point of delivery.
Import duty is a type of tax payable on the value of imported goods. It's often payable in addition to VAT.
To calculate duty and VAT, you'll need to look up the UK Tariff and use the Chamber Customs UK Import Tax Calculator. This will help you determine the taxes payable on your goods.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements to consider:
- Commodity code: This will help you find the duty level available for your product.
- Country of origin: This will determine if your goods benefit from a preferential rate of import duty.
- UK Tariff: This will help you find the duty level available for your product.
Difference Between VAT
Import VAT and Duties are two types of taxes you'll need to pay when importing goods into the UK.
Import Duty and Value Added Tax are the two most common types of Tax payable when importing goods into the UK. In short, these are called duty and VAT.
The two types of taxes are separate and distinct, with Import Duty being a tax on the value of the goods and VAT being a consumption tax.
Import Duty is payable on the value of the goods, while VAT is payable on the selling price of the goods, including the Import Duty.

The main difference between Import Duty and VAT is that Import Duty is a one-time tax, while VAT is a recurring tax that's added to the price of the goods.
In the UK, Import Duty is typically charged at a fixed rate, while VAT is charged at a rate of 20%.
Import VAT
Import VAT is a type of tax payable on goods entering the Eurozone from the UK. The VAT rate depends on the destination country and the type of goods being shipped.
If a customer in France buys a product worth €100 from a UK seller, and the French VAT rate is 20%, they will have to pay €20 in VAT at the point of delivery.
Import VAT is calculated as a percentage of the product's value plus shipping and insurance costs. This means that the total cost of the product will be higher than the original price.
You can use the example of the French customer to see how this works in practice. They will pay €100 for the product plus €20 in VAT, making the total cost €120.
Here's a breakdown of how Import VAT is calculated:
Note that these are just examples and the actual VAT rate may vary depending on the destination country and type of goods.
Incoterms and Shipping

Incoterms are a set of standardized shipping terms that clarify the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade.
Incoterms can be used to avoid confusion and disputes over shipping costs and responsibilities.
The most commonly used Incoterms are EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).
EXW means the seller is only responsible for making the goods available at their premises, while FOB means the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto a ship.
CIF, on the other hand, means the seller is responsible for loading the goods onto a ship and also provides insurance.
Incoterms are widely recognized and accepted, making international trade easier and more efficient.
They are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are updated regularly to reflect changes in international trade practices.
Sources
- https://dutyrefunds.co.uk/blog/how-to-avoid-customs-charge-from-the-usa-or-eu-to-the-uk/
- https://neilmatthews.com/customs-and-import-duties-navigating-post-brexit-trade-from-the-uk-to-the-eurozone/
- https://www.chambercustoms.co.uk/taxesvatdutiestariffs
- https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty
- https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/jan/21/eu-website-purchases-the-import-charges-uk-customers-have-to-pay
Featured Images: pexels.com