1. Understand the tariff rates and related regulations of the destination country
• Prohibited items: Different countries have different regulations on prohibited items. Common ones include valuable items such as cash, gold and silver jewelry, animals and plants and their products, liquid and powder items, fresh food, tobacco leaves, etc., which are generally prohibited from being mailed. In addition, countries like South Korea prohibit the entry of meat products. If such items are mailed, the package is easily seized and confiscated by customs.
• Tariff policy: It is necessary to understand the tariff threshold and tax rate of the destination country. The tariff policies of various countries and regions are referenced (Appendix 1).
• Import/export restrictions: including restrictions on the quantity, value, size, weight, etc. of items. For example, the number of high-value items of the same name, style and model cannot exceed N pieces (refer to the restrictions of each country). Exceeding the limit will increase the probability of imposing tariffs.
2. Choose the right mode of transport
• Air transport: fast, suitable for transporting urgent, small, and high-value items, but the cost is relatively high. Generally, air transport can be selected if the number of boxes is less than 10. Taking Europe as an example, the time limit is usually 5-12 days.
• Ocean transport: low cost, suitable for transporting large quantities of items that are not urgently needed, large in size, and heavy in weight, but the transportation time is long. Ocean transport can be selected if the number of boxes is greater than 15. Taking the United States as an example, the time limit is usually 30-45 days.
3. Proper packaging and labeling
• Packaging materials: Choose appropriate packaging materials according to the nature and characteristics of the items, such as sturdy cartons, bubble wrap, vacuum packaging, corner wrapping, edge strips, etc., to protect the items from damage.
• Packaging method: For fragile items, it is recommended to choose cushioning and fixed bubble wrap; for liquid items, choose sealed packaging to prevent leakage, etc.
• Marking information: The recipient's name, address, and contact information will be clearly marked on the package. In addition, the contents, weight, size, etc. of the package can also be marked according to the recipient's needs to facilitate transportation and customs clearance.
4. Declaration information
• Declared value: declare the value of the item reasonably, neither too high nor too low. Too high may lead to increased tariffs, while too low may be suspected by customs and lead to inspection.
• Item description: fill in the declaration content according to the name, quantity, value, purpose and other information of the items in the package, avoid vague or false declaration, so as not to cause customs detention or unnecessary trouble.
5. Risks and countermeasures of customs inspection in cross-border transportation
5.1 Risks of customs inspection
• Increased inspection rate: If the goods are sensitive or the declared information is questionable (such as underreporting the price), the probability of being inspected will increase greatly. For example, special chemicals or low-priced high-value goods are easy to focus on.
• Delayed goods: Inspection will inevitably take time, resulting in the loss of the timeliness of exported goods. Delays in time-sensitive goods such as fresh food and urgently needed parts may cause deterioration or production stagnation.
• Additional costs: If the declaration does not match the actual goods (name, quantity, price, etc.), fines, confiscation or customs clearance may be imposed, which will increase costs. If the value of electronic products is underreported, there will be risks of fines and seizures after verification, and the paid freight will also be lost.
• Legal liability: Serious issues such as tariff evasion and false trade will trigger customs investigations, and the responsible person may have to bear legal consequences, causing great damage to the reputation and development of individuals or companies.
5.2 Risk reduction methods
• Choose regular platforms for shopping: give priority to trading on regular platforms so that you can obtain shopping vouchers, invoices and other information when necessary, provide strong evidence for customs declaration, and help the goods pass through customs smoothly.
• Declare truthfully: reasonably determine the value of the goods, avoid over- or under-declaration, ensure that the information is true and accurate, and eliminate under-reporting and concealment. If you declare branded goods, you should fill in the brand, style, price and other detailed information truthfully.
• Ensure the compliance of goods: confirm that the goods are not high-risk or contraband. For example, it does not involve rare animal and plant products, banned drugs, etc., and legal procedures and documents must be completed in advance for controlled products.
• Keep communication open: From shopping or submitting transportation needs, keep good communication so as to communicate with customs and other relevant parties in a timely manner to prevent greater losses due to delayed responses. If there are any questions during customs inspection, the sender/recipient can be contacted quickly to speed up the inspection process.
Through the above measures, the risk of customs inspection can be effectively reduced and the clearance rate of parcels can be increased.
Warm reminder: Customs inspection is a probabilistic event, and the diversity of inspection reasons cannot be predicted. If customs inspection requires our cooperation, please inform us in time. If customs clearance cannot be completed in time due to the recipient's reasons, the resulting fines, return fees, and destruction fees shall be borne by the recipient.
Appendix 1
|
Country |
Tariff threshold/local currency |
VAT Rate |
Other |
|
European Union
|
150 EUR
|
0%～27%
|
The European Union has 27 member states, namely: FR, DE, IT, NL, BE, LU , AT, DK, FI, GR, IE, PT, ES, SE, CY, HU, CZ, SK, SI, EE, LV, LT, MT, PL, HR, RO, BG. Tariffs and Value-Added Tax (VAT): EU member states offer a certain tax-free allowance for personal parcels. For example, non-commercial parcels worth no more than 150 euros are usually exempt from tariffs and import VAT. However, if the parcel value exceeds this limit, corresponding taxes need to be paid. • Tariff Threshold: Since March 1, 2024, all low-value goods imported from countries outside the EU, regardless of the mode of transportation, are subject to VAT. The previous policy of exempting import tariffs and VAT for goods worth less than 22 euros has been cancelled. • Tax Rate Range: The tariff rates in the EU vary depending on the type of goods, with various calculation methods such as ad valorem tax, specific tax, or compound tax being adopted. Generally, tariffs on agricultural products, textiles, and clothing are relatively high, while those on industrial manufactured products such as electronic products and mechanical equipment are relatively low. • Common Tax Rate Examples: ￮ Clothing: The tariff rate is usually around 10% - 20%. ￮ Electronic Products: For items like mobile phones and computers, the tariff rate may be between 0% - 5%, depending on the product's specifications and functions. ￮ Food: The tariff rate for ordinary food is around 5% - 15%. Some special foods like high-end seafood and imported fruits may have higher rates and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. ￮ Cosmetics: The tariff rate for cosmetics is generally around 5% - 10%, and they also need to comply with the regulations of relevant EU departments. |
|
United States |
800 USD |
0%～37.5% |
Tariff 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%. Details are as follows: • Some duty-free goods: Certain products, such as electronic products, original paintings and antiques over 100 years old, are exempt from tariffs. • Low-tax goods: Some daily necessities, ordinary clothing, etc. may be subject to lower tariff rates, such as around 0%-5%. • Medium-tax goods: Tariff rates for goods such as furniture and toys may be between 5%-15%. • High-tax goods: Some special goods, such as tobacco and alcohol, have relatively high tariff rates, which may reach around 20%-37.5%. |
|
Canada |
20 CAD |
5%～20% |
Tax rate range: Generally speaking, the tariff rate for private parcels ranges from 5% to 20%, depending on the type and value of the items in the parcel. • Examples of common tax rates: • Clothing: The tariff rate for most clothing is around 10%-18%. • Electronic products: For example, mobile phones, computers, etc., the tariff rate may be between 5%-15%. • Food: The tariff rates for different types of food vary greatly, such as candy, biscuits, etc., which may be 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher tariffs, and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. • Cosmetics: The tariff rate for cosmetics is generally around 10%-15%, and must also comply with the relevant regulations of the Canadian Ministry of Health. |
|
Australia |
1000 AUD |
0%～10% |
• Tax rate range: The tariff rate for most commodities is between 0% and 10%, and the specific tax rate will vary depending on the commodity classification and country of origin. • Examples of common tax rates: • Clothing: The general tariff rate is around 5%-10%. • Electronic products: such as mobile phones, computers, etc., the tariff rate may be between 0%-5%. • Food: The tariff rates of different types of food vary greatly, such as candy, biscuits, etc. may be between 5%-10%, and some special foods such as health products may have higher tariffs, and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. • Cosmetics: The tariff rate for cosmetics is generally around 5%-10%, and it must also comply with the relevant regulations of the Australian Department of Health. |
|
United Kingdom |
135 GBP |
0%～20% |
• Tariff threshold: The UK tariff threshold is 135 pounds, that is, if the value of the goods does not exceed 135 pounds, generally no tariff is required, but VAT may be required. • Tax rate range: The UK VAT rate is 20%, and the tariff rate for most goods is between 0%-10%. The specific tax rate will vary depending on the classification of the goods and the country of origin. • Examples of common tax rates: • Clothing: The general tariff rate is around 5%-10%. • Electronic products: such as mobile phones, computers, etc., the tariff rate may be between 0%-5%. • Food: The tariff rates of different types of food vary greatly. For example, candies and biscuits may be between 5%-10%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher tax rates, and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. • Cosmetics: The tariff rate of cosmetics is generally around 5%-10%, and it must also comply with the regulations of relevant British departments. |
|
Mexico |
50 USD |
0%～40% |
• Tariff threshold: Mexico's tariff threshold is $50. If the value of the goods does not exceed $50, generally no tariff is required. • Tax rate range: Mexico's tariff rates vary from 0% to 45% depending on the type and value of the goods. For example, some basic daily necessities, books, etc. may enjoy lower tariff rates or even tax-free, while some luxury goods, cars, etc. may face higher tariff rates. • Examples of common tax rates: • Clothing: The general tariff rate is around 15%-25%. • Electronic products: such as mobile phones, computers, etc., the tariff rate may be between 0%-15%, depending on the specifications and functions of the product. • Food: The tariff rates for different types of food vary greatly. For example, ordinary snacks and beverages may be 10%-20%, while some special foods such as health products may have higher tariffs and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. • Cosmetics: The tariff rate for cosmetics is generally around 10%-20%, and must also comply with the regulations of relevant Mexican departments. |
|
Russia |
200 EUR |
0%～50% |
• From April 1, 2024, the duty-free limit for foreign goods carried by Russian postal and express companies is 200 euros (20,000 rubles) and 31kg; the limit for cross-border goods or inbound luggage by land and water is 500 euros (49,998 rubles) and 25kg; the limit for shipping cargo is 10,000 euros (999,964 rubles) and 50kg. Tax rate range: Russia's tariff rates vary depending on the commodity, and are calculated using a variety of methods such as ad valorem, specific or compound taxes. • Agricultural products: The import tariff on basic grain crops such as wheat, barley, and corn is about 0%, the import tariff on fruits and vegetables is about 15%, and the import tariff on meat is an average of 40%-50%. • Industrial products: The import tariff on machinery and equipment is usually 5%-10%, the import tariff on automobiles is about 25%, the tariff on parts is about 15%, and the import tariff on electronic products is about 10%. • Textiles: The import tariff on textile raw materials is about 5%-10%, and the import tariff on clothing and footwear is an average of 15%-20%. • Chemical products: The import tariff on basic chemical raw materials is about 5%-10%, and the import tariff on special chemical products such as medicines and pesticides may be as high as 20%. |
|
Swiss |
300 CHF |
0%～10% |
• Tariff threshold: Switzerland's tariff threshold is 300 Swiss francs. If the value of the goods does not exceed 300 Swiss francs, there is generally no need to pay tariffs. However, there are quantity restrictions for food, alcohol and tobacco, and tariffs must be paid if the limit is exceeded. • Tax rate range: Switzerland adopts a low-tariff policy with an average tariff level of 5%. It implements the Coordinated Commodity Description and Coding System and grants preferential treatment to developing countries, but has now cancelled the preferential treatment for China. The tariff rates for different commodities vary. • Examples of common tax rates: ￮ Clothing: The general tariff rate is around 5%-15%. ￮ Electronic products: such as mobile phones, computers, etc., the tariff rate may be between 0%-5%, depending on the specifications and functions of the product. ￮ Food: The tariff rate for ordinary food is around 5%-10%, while some special foods such as high-end seafood and imported fruits may have higher tariffs and even require relevant import licenses and inspection and quarantine certificates. ￮ Cosmetics: The tariff rate for cosmetics is generally around 5%-10%, and must also comply with the regulations of relevant Swiss departments. |
|
Norway |
350 NOK |
0%～20% |
① Starting from January 1, 2024, taxes and fees will be declared through a VOEC number registered locally in Norway. Packages without a VOEC number will not be accepted. ② Packages with a declared value equal to or exceeding 3,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately US$270) will not be accepted. ; ③ If the VOEC information provided by the customer is incorrect, resulting in abnormal customs clearance or related additional costs, the customer will unconditionally bear it. • Tax rate range: Norway's tariff rates vary according to the type and nature of the goods. Generally speaking, the tariff rates for goods such as clothing and textiles are around 10%-20%, the tariff rates for electronic products are around 5%-10%, and the tariff rates for toys are around 0%-15%. For specific tax rates, please refer to the relevant regulations of the Norwegian Customs. |
|
Chile |
30 USD |
0%～6% |
Customers need to fill in the RUT personal tax number, tax number rules reference: ①7-10 digits - 1 digit; ②7-10 digits - K; • Tariff threshold: Under normal circumstances, Chile will impose tariffs on personal packages worth more than 30 US dollars. • Tax rate range: Chile imposes a unified tariff of 6% on import partners that do not have a free trade agreement with it; and since Chile has a free trade agreement with China, the actual tariff rate for most products imported from China is less than 1%. |
|
Brazil |
0 USD |
20%～ |
The recipient pays customs duties: Tariff number format: ① 11 digits (example 12345678901) ② 3 digits. 3 digits. 3 digits - 2 digits (example 123.345.456-12) ③ 3 digits. 3 digits .3 digits/2 digits (example 123.345.456/12); Under normal circumstances, the recipient needs to pay comprehensive import duties (60%) and ICMS turnover tax (approximately 17%~28% depending on the state), which is subject to the amount incurred by the customs. • Tariff threshold: Brazil has also begun to impose tariffs on personal packages worth less than $50. Previously, small cross-border packages of less than $50 were tax-free. • Tax rate range: According to the decree signed by the Brazilian President on June 27, 2024, starting from August 1, cross-border packages worth less than US$50 will be subject to a 20% import tariff, plus a 17% ICMS for each state. For imported packages worth more than $50, the import tax rate of 60% and the standard turnover tax of 17% for each state remain unchanged for the portion exceeding $50. Packages exceeding $50 but less than $3,000 can be exempted from the tax of $20. |
|
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
266 USD |
5%～20% |
• Duty threshold: When the value of the goods exceeds 266 US dollars, customs duties are required. • Rate range: Saudi Arabia’s tariff rate is generally 5%-20%, depending on the type of goods. You can check the specific tax rate on the Saudi Customs official website. • Calculation formula: tariff = CIF × corresponding tariff rate %, VAT = (tariff + other charges) × 15%, total amount = tariff + VAT + other charges. • Special circumstances: For some specific goods, such as electronic products or luxury goods, higher tariff rates may apply. |
|
Thailand |
1500 THB
|
0%～60% |
• Tariff threshold: Thai Customs generally exempts personal parcels with a value of up to 1,500 baht, but if the items in the parcel are taxable goods or exceed the specified duty-free quantity, weight, etc., duties will still be payable. • Tax rate range: ： ￮ Most-favored-nation tax rate: applies to World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries, including China. The MFN tax rate for conventional products is between 0% and 30%. For example, the tax rate for agricultural products is higher, while the tax rate for industrial products is relatively low. For example, the MFN tax rate for rice may be as high as 40%-60%, and the MFN tax rate for machinery and equipment is about 5%. %-10%. ￮ ASEAN common effective preferential tariff rate: applicable to trade between ASEAN member states. This tax rate is usually lower than the most-favored nation rate, and some products even achieve zero tariffs. For example, cars produced in ASEAN countries enjoy lower tariffs in Thailand. ￮ Specific preferential tax rates: Applicable to countries that have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Thailand, such as Japan, South Korea, etc. These rates are generally lower than most-favored-nation rates. |
|
Note: The above information is for reference only. For detailed tariff rates, please refer to the official instructions of the country of destination of the package. |
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