Duty and Tax Fees

Categories

Account Questions
Dangerous Goods
Duty and Tax Fees
Fuel Surcharge
Overweight or Oversize Package
Pick Up and Delivery
Remote Locations
Shipping Questions
Tracking A Package
Duties and taxes are the responsibility of the receiver in the destination country. 
Duty or tax charges are determined by the customs department of each country and not by the shipping provider or OptimalShip. The charges are country specific and based upon the product type and value of the shipment. 
Yes.  For a shipper to pay duties and taxes, the DPT (Duties & Taxes Paid) option must be selected on the waybill prior to shipping a package. There is a $15 DHL surcharge if the selection is made for the shipper, rather than the receiver, to pay these fees. This option is used primarily for items sent as gifts, when the sender desires the receiver to have no shipment costs.

 

Even though duty-free goods are not subject to duty, these shipments are subject to VAT or other import fees.

Each country establishes its own standards as to which goods are considered dutiable. 

It can affect your shipment in two ways:

Customs. DHL has developed working relationships with customs officials worldwide to streamline the clearance process.  We're a licensed customs broker in more than 140 countries, which means a great majority of DHL Express shipments are cleared in transit - prior to the shipment arriving in the destination country.

Documentation. All dutiable shipments require a commercial invoice and a waybill. DHL Express has made it easy for you to complete these documents as you prepare your shipment.
You may need additional forms, depending on shipment content, value, and destination. DHL provides you a tool that will help you determine which additional documents are required for your specific shipment.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada, and Mexico allows commodities that qualify to receive preferential treatment, such as free or lower rates of duty when shipped between NAFTA countries. All shipments, whether or not they qualify for NAFTA preferential treatment, must be cleared by the customs authority of the country they are entering.
I was charged duties and taxes for something purchased online. Why wasn’t that included in the overall shipping costs?

 

Please be aware that when purchasing goods via internet sites, some or all of these goods may not originate in your home country. When goods are not sent domestically or within a single customs union, you are liable to pay any inbound duties and taxes which your local Customs authority deems appropriate. Duties and taxes are most typically not included in the price of the goods you purchase online.

DHL pays the Customs authority on your behalf any duties and taxes that are due on the goods, when they enter the country. This simple process ensures that our courier can deliver your goods in shortest possible transit time. Please note that we only release the goods to you upon the full repayment of any duties and taxes that were paid on your behalf.