Some shipments pay customs duties and go through clearance; others do not. This article explains which routes are affected, so you know what to expect before sending or receiving equipment abroad.
Feature/Functionality
Overview
What matters is whether a parcel crosses a customs border, not a country border. The customs border is the edge of the European Union customs territory.
| Route | Customs / clearance |
|---|---|
| France to France (or EU to EU) | None |
| United Kingdom to/from the European Union | Yes, both ways |
| International (outside the EU and UK) to/from the European Union | Yes, both ways |
Why the rules differ
Inside the single market, goods travel freely. A parcel from France to Germany, or within France, needs no customs declaration and pays no duties.
A parcel that leaves or enters a country outside that territory must clear customs. That includes the United Kingdom since Brexit, the United States and Switzerland, among others. Customs records a declaration and works out duties and import VAT. The carrier adds brokerage fees.
Rules by zone
France to France, and EU to EU
No customs fees and no clearance. The invoice carries normal domestic VAT and there is no import step.
United Kingdom to and from the European Union
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom sits outside the EU customs territory. Every parcel between the two, in either direction, crosses a customs border.
- Into the United Kingdom: 20% import VAT applies to every import over £135. The United Kingdom has its own tariff, the UK Global Tariff, separate from the EU's. Goods of EU origin usually enter with no customs duty under the EU-UK trade agreement, as long as you can prove their origin.
- Into the EU from the United Kingdom: the carrier works out customs duties from the product's HS code and customs value. Import VAT is added at the destination country's rate (20% in France), plus carrier handling fees.
Outside the EU and UK, to and from the European Union
The same principle applies. Any parcel between the EU and a third country, such as the United States or Switzerland, pays customs duties and import VAT.
Extra fees
If the carrier reports extra fees, the Factorial IT operations team always contacts you. They confirm the exact amount and ask whether you want to go ahead with the shipment or cancel it.
Tips and Best Practices
- Check the route before you ship. A border between countries does not always mean customs; the EU customs border does.
- Budget for import VAT and brokerage fees on UK and non-EU routes. They apply both ways.
- Keep proof of origin for EU goods going to the United Kingdom. Without it, the zero-duty treatment may not apply.
- Answer extra-fee requests quickly. The shipment waits until you decide to go ahead or cancel.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
- A shipment within the EU was charged customs. Intra-EU parcels should not pay customs. Contact support@factorial.it.
- A shipment is held at customs. Shipments to or from the United Kingdom or outside the EU must clear customs. Track the shipment for its status and wait for the operations team to confirm any extra fees.
- Extra fees appeared on a UK or international shipment. These are customs duties, import VAT or carrier fees. You will be asked to confirm before the shipment goes ahead.
FAQ
-
Do I pay customs on a shipment from France to Germany?
No. Both are inside the EU customs territory.
-
Do shipments between the EU and the United Kingdom go through customs?
Yes, in both directions, since Brexit.
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When does UK import VAT apply?
At 20% on every import over £135.
-
Do EU goods pay customs duty when entering the United Kingdom?
Usually not, under the EU-UK trade agreement, if you can show proof of origin.
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Will I be charged extra fees without warning?
No. The operations team contacts you with the exact amount and you choose whether to proceed or cancel.