Agent WranglersECM-17Recommended
Collect import VAT and duty before the parcel crosses a border
When you ship from outside the buyer's customs area, show and collect import VAT and duty at checkout, and ship with them paid. Never leave the buyer to pay unknown fees at the door.
How to do it
A buyer asked for fees on delivery often refuses the parcel, and you pay the return. Into the EU, the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) lets you charge the buyer's VAT at checkout on consignments up to 150 euros. From 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2028, they also pay a flat duty of 3 euros per item category, whatever the VAT scheme. Into the US, low-value parcels have paid duty since 29 August 2025, when the $800 exemption was suspended for all countries. Put the HS code and country of origin on each variant, and let your carrier or tax service compute the amounts. Show them as separate lines, as Show the total price with every mandatory fee requires.
How to check
A test checks out one cross-border order into the EU and one into the US. Each shows the duty and import tax before payment, and the shipment goes out with duties paid.
Sources
- European Commission, the temporary 3 euro duty on low-value imports
- US CBP, end of duty-free de minimis
Related rules
- PAY-58 Show the total price with every mandatory fee in Payments and billing
- ECM-28 Handle failed deliveries and parcels sent back in E-commerce and fulfilment
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