For online shoppers, life just got a tiny bit more difficult with the beginning of 2021. Here’s what I could find out for you, depending if you’re in the European Union (including some specifics for Germany) or in the UK. This is only an overview, of course, so please inform yourself at the official sites for your country as well.
Online shopping in 2021…
If you’re in the European Union
If you’re ordering products from the UK, the agreement reached between the UK and the EU allows for trade without tariffs, you can enjoy your Charlotte Tilbury order without being afraid you’ll be taxed when your order reaches you (more at dhl.nl). BUT! We can still expect that companies will slowly raise prices or shipping fees, because border checks and new formalities like customs forms mean more work. (And likely longer shipping times.)
HOWEVER, apparently companies demand customs duties to compensate for that, the Guardian reports, and on top of that, some British companies (Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis) have stopped shipping to the EU.
If you’re in Germany
Hallelujah, rejoice, my fellow online shoppers! The plan to raise import duties has been postponed (to July 1st, apparently). Until then, it’s business as usual. Up from 25€, you don’t have to pay import duties when you’re buying from sellers outside the European Union. From July 1st onwards, you’ll have to. If you’re buying from sellers inside the EU, you still don’t have to pay import duties. (Because the EU is a customs union.) So, if you regularly order from Asia or the US, it might be a good idea to find shops that’re actually in the EU instead. (More here, in German, and at the official DP site.)
Maybe it’s a good time to start shopping your stash or question your shopping habits? (jkjk!)
If you’re in the UK
If you’re bringing goods into the country, you’re free from import duties up to £390 and can cross the green line at customs at the airport. In case you’re ordering online, the Royal Mail said there may be VAT changes and handling fees.
“For items under £135 (with the exception of gifts), VAT will be collected directly when they buy the goods online. For goods with a value over £135 (and gifts over £39), Royal Mail may collect the VAT and customs duties from the customer prior to delivery. These charges are applied on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs.”
The Guardian
More here. Happy shopping!
1 Comment