Kakobuy Customs and Import Cost Guide

Separate the costs

United States

The United States continued the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for shipments from all countries in February 2026. The official order states that covered shipments can be subject to applicable duties, taxes, fees and charges regardless of value, with a specific process for international postal shipments. Exact treatment depends on the article and entry method, so an old “under $800 is duty-free” statement is not a safe current assumption.

United Kingdom

GOV.UK states that VAT applies to goods sent from outside the relevant UK customs area, with limited gift exceptions. For goods bought by the recipient worth £135 or less, the seller normally includes VAT when the goods are not excise goods. Goods above £135 can also attract Customs Duty, and VAT can include postage, packaging, insurance and duty. Check whether the destination is Great Britain or Northern Ireland because the rules are not identical.

Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency reviews international mail and determines admissibility and charges. Its current mail guidance describes a CAN$20 postal remission for many non-gift items, with exceptions, while applicable GST, HST, PST and duty can apply above the relief. Commercial purchases do not become gifts because a buyer asks a seller to label them that way.

Australia

The Australian Border Force says most consignments valued at AUD1,000 or less do not incur border duties, taxes or charges, subject to exclusions. This does not mean low-value shopping is automatically tax-free: Australian GST rules can require an overseas seller, marketplace or re-deliverer to collect GST on low-value imported goods at the point of sale. Goods above AUD1,000 generally require an import declaration and can attract duty, GST and processing charges.

European Union

EU guidance states that VAT applies to commercial goods imported from outside the EU. Since July 1, 2026, a temporary fixed customs duty of €3 per goods item applies to relevant distance sales of imported goods in consignments not exceeding €150. This is a per-item rule, not automatically €3 per parcel, and it may change as the EU customs reform develops.

Intellectual-property and product-safety risk

Customs authorities may detain or seize goods suspected of infringing trademarks, copyright or other intellectual-property rights. Product safety and restricted-goods rules also apply even when a seller page is accessible. A product photo, QC image, declared value or successful delivery reported by another user cannot guarantee that a new parcel is lawful or will clear customs.

Pre-shipment checklist

• Identify the destination customs territory, not only the country name.
• Use an accurate product description, origin and customs value.
• Check whether the item is restricted or subject to intellectual-property enforcement.
• Confirm whether tax was collected at checkout and keep the receipt.
• Ask the carrier which clearance and handling fees may apply.
• Keep the order, payment, declaration and tracking records.
• Recheck the linked government guidance before parcel submission.

Does a shipping quote include customs charges?

Not necessarily. Confirm what the quoted service includes and whether duties, taxes or carrier clearance fees are collected before shipping or on arrival.

Can this guide calculate the final tax or duty?

No. The final amount depends on current law and shipment-specific facts. This page provides a verification checklist, not legal, tax or customs advice.

Can QC photos guarantee customs clearance?

No. QC photos show limited visible information and cannot establish classification, legality, authenticity, declaration accuracy or the decision of a customs authority.

Related guides