Duties, VAT and customs when buying from China with an agent (2026)
When you receive an order from China there may be VAT, customs duty and handling fees. This is what applies in the European Union as of October 2026. Rules change: always check the official source.
VAT: due from the first euro
Since 1 July 2021 there is no VAT exemption for low-value imports into the EU: your country's VAT applies to every parcel, whatever its value. The old €22 exemption no longer exists.
Duty: the flat €3 since July 2026
Parcels up to €150 used to be duty-free. Since 1 July 2026 the EU charges a flat €3 duty per product type in the parcel (three different products, 3 × €3). It is temporary, until normal duties apply to these shipments. Above €150 the ordinary duty for each product applies.
Carrier handling fee
If the parcel goes through customs, the carrier usually charges a fee for processing it, on top of the taxes. It varies by company.
Replicas can be seized
EU customs can detain and destroy goods suspected of infringing a registered trademark, including small parcels. Paying the taxes doesn't prevent it. What's in the parcel is your responsibility.
How to avoid surprises
- Count taxes in the price: product + shipping + VAT (+ duty and handling fee).
- Ask your agent whether the shipping line includes taxes (some collect them upfront) and what happens if the parcel is held.
- Declare the real value. Undervaluing a parcel is illegal and, if customs notices, can lead to seizure or a fine.
- Outside the EU the rules are different. We have guides for Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile.
Official source: European Commission: low-value consignments. CNFinds is an informational resource: we don't handle shipping or customs and this isn't tax advice.
Tip: keep the agent's invoices and track the shipment. If there are charges, the carrier usually notifies you before delivery.