Shopping internationally is an exciting experience. It allows buyers to access unique goods, explore new brands and discover items that are not available locally. However, while international shopping brings convenience and variety, it also requires an understanding of duties, taxes and customs regulations. These aspects determine the true cost of an order and can differ greatly depending on the country of import.
Doorzo makes it easy to buy products from Japan. However, please remember that customs authorities, not Doorzo, decide the import duties, VAT or GST, and any extra taxes that may apply. These charges depend on the type of product, the declared value of the parcel and the rules in your destination country.
This guide gives an overview of customs and tax information for some of the most popular destinations. It is here to help you plan your purchases with confidence and make informed decisions. Each country section includes a link to the official customs website, where you can check the latest details before placing your order.
The Purpose of Duties and Taxes
Customs duties are government charges on goods entering a country. They exist to regulate trade, protect local industries and generate national revenue. The rate of duty depends on several factors, including the product’s classification under the Harmonised System (HS), its country of origin and its declared value. The value often includes not only the cost of the item but also the shipping and insurance.
In addition to import duties, most countries apply a value-added tax (VAT) or a goods and services tax (GST) to imported goods. These are consumption taxes that apply to both domestic and imported products. Some countries also impose excise taxes on specific goods such as alcohol, tobacco, petroleum and luxury items.
It is important for buyers to recognise that duties and taxes are not controlled by Doorzo or other retailers. They are set entirely by the customs and tax authorities of the importing country. As a result, it is possible that your final cost will be higher than the amount paid at checkout once the goods reach your country’s customs office.
Understanding these principles before placing an order is an effective way to avoid unpleasant surprises. The next section summarises import tax policies in a range of key destinations.
Country Reference Guide (Alphabetical Order)
◆Argentina
Import Duty: 0 to 20 per cent for most goods under the Mercosur Common External Tariff. Some automotive products may face up to 35 per cent. Certain IT and capital goods are temporarily exempt.
VAT: 10.5 or 21 per cent, and 27 per cent for utilities.
Other Taxes: 3 per cent statistics charge and 3 to 5 per cent gross income tax. Excise duties apply to tobacco, alcohol and soft drinks.
Notes: Textile and clothing imports face strict controls. Sea shipments require multiple documents. Rules change frequently, so consultation with a local customs broker is advisable.
Official site: AFIP – Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos
◆Australia
Import Duty: Many products are duty free. Duties generally apply above AUD 1,000 depending on the HS code.
GST: 10 per cent.
Notes: GST is collected even on imports worth less than AUD 1,000. Duties are calculated on the customs value, which includes shipping and insurance.
Official site: Australian Border Force
◆Brazil
Import Duty: Between 10 and 35 per cent based on CIF value. Postal imports may be charged a flat 60 per cent.
VAT (ICMS): 17 to 19 per cent depending on the state.
Other Taxes: IPI 0 to 15 per cent, PIS 2.1 per cent, COFINS 9.65 per cent and AFRMM 25 per cent freight surcharge for sea imports.
Notes: Taxes can be cumulative. Certain goods qualify for temporary tariff reductions.
Official site: Receita Federal – Aduana
◆Canada
Import Duty: Goods originating from the United States or Mexico are duty free under CUSMA. Others average around 5 per cent under the Most Favoured Nation schedule.
GST/PST/HST: 5 per cent GST plus provincial sales tax where applicable.
Notes: De minimis thresholds apply. For courier imports, duty applies above CAD 150 and taxes above CAD 40. Postal imports are duty free below CAD 20.
Official site: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
◆Chile
Import Duty: 6 per cent of CIF value.
VAT: 19 per cent.Other Taxes: Excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and luxury goods.
Notes: From 25 October 2025, imports valued at 500 US dollars or less will be exempt from VAT and duty.
Official site: Servicio Nacional de Aduanas
◆Colombia
Import Duty: Approximately 4.5 per cent on average. Capital goods and raw materials are usually duty free. Consumer goods range from 15 to 20 per cent.
VAT: 19 per cent.Notes: The country uses the Andean Community tariff system.
Official site: Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN)
◆France (European Union)
Import Duty: Applies above 150 euros.
VAT: 20 per cent standard, 10 or 5.5 per cent reduced.
Notes: VAT applies to all non-EU imports. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco and energy products.
Official site: Douane Française
◆Germany (European Union)
Import Duty: Applies above 150 euros.
VAT: 19 per cent, reduced 7 per cent for essentials.
Notes: VAT applies from the first euro. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco, coffee and energy.
Official site: Zoll – German Customs
◆Hong Kong
Import Duty: None except for liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol.
VAT/GST: None.
Notes: Hong Kong is a free port. Most consumer goods enter duty free.
Official site: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
◆Italy (European Union)
Import Duty: Applies above 150 euros.
VAT: 22 per cent standard, 10 or 5 per cent reduced.
Notes: VAT applies from the first euro. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco and fuels.
Official site: Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli
◆Netherlands (European Union)
Import Duty: Applies above 150 euros.
VAT: 21 per cent standard, 9 per cent reduced.
Notes: VAT applies from the first euro. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco and fuel.
Official site: Belastingdienst Douane
◆Poland (European Union)
Import Duty: Applies above 150 euros.
VAT: 23 per cent standard, 8 or 5 per cent reduced.
Notes: VAT applies from the first euro. Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco and fuels.
Official site: KAS – National Revenue Administration
◆Malaysia
Import Duty: Generally low, varying by HS code.
Sales Tax: 10 per cent.
Notes: Since January 2024, a 10 per cent tax also applies on low value imports worth 500 ringgit or less.
Official site: Royal Malaysian Customs
◆Mexico
Import Duty: Average 5.8 per cent. Duty free for goods from the United States and Canada under USMCA.
VAT: 16 per cent.
Other Taxes: IEPS excise of 25 to 160 per cent on alcohol and tobacco.
Notes: From January 2025, all imports will be taxed at 19 per cent. The 50 US dollar exemption will be removed.
Official site: Agencia Nacional de Aduanas de México (ANAM)
◆Philippines
Import Duty: Depends on HS code. De minimis value is 10,000 pesos.
VAT: 12 per cent.
Notes: Imports worth 10,000 pesos or less are exempt from duty and VAT.
Official site: Bureau of Customs – Philippines
◆Peru
Import Duty: 0, 6 or 11 per cent depending on product type.
VAT: 18 per cent including a 2 per cent municipal tax.
Notes: Excise duties apply to fuel, alcohol and vehicles. Many capital goods enter duty free.
Official site: SUNAT – Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas
◆Singapore
Import Duty: Most goods are duty free. Duties apply to tobacco, liquor, vehicles and petroleum.
GST: 9 per cent.
Official site: Singapore Customs
◆Spain (European Union)
Import Duty: Ranges from 0 per cent on books to 17 per cent on footwear. Electronic devices are often duty free.
VAT: 21 per cent.
Notes: Duty is not charged on goods valued below 150 euros. VAT always applies.
Official site: Agencia Tributaria – Aduanas
◆Switzerland
Import Duty: Many industrial goods are duty free since January 2024. Duties remain on agricultural products such as meat and dairy.
VAT: 8.1 per cent standard, 2.6 per cent reduced for essentials, 3.8 per cent for accommodation.
Notes: VAT is not charged if the amount is below 5 Swiss francs. Customs duties for food are often calculated by weight.
Official site: Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit
◆Taiwan
Import Duty: Average 6 to 8 per cent depending on HS code. De minimis value 2,000 New Taiwan dollars.
VAT: 5 per cent.
Notes: Imports above 2,000 New Taiwan dollars are subject to both duty and VAT.
Official site: Taiwan Customs Administration
◆United Kingdom
Import Duty: Applies above 135 pounds.
VAT: 20 per cent standard, 5 per cent reduced.
Notes: For goods valued at 135 pounds or less, VAT is collected at checkout. For higher values, duty and VAT are collected upon import.
Official site: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
◆United States
Import Duty: From August 2025 the de minimis exemption will end. All imports will be subject to duty under the Harmonised Tariff Schedule.
Sales Tax: No federal VAT. State sales taxes may apply.
Notes: Excise duties apply to alcohol, tobacco and fuel. Each state sets its own rates and procedures.
Official site: United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Understanding What This Means for You
Before placing an order, it is advisable to consult your country’s customs website to verify how taxes and duties are applied. Familiarise yourself with the terms of shipment, as these determine who bears responsibility for paying any duties.
Different categories of goods are subject to varying tariff rates. Items such as clothing, electronics and luxury products often attract higher charges. You should also check whether excise duties apply to goods such as tobacco, alcohol, or fuel. Some countries offer a minimum value threshold below which imports are exempt from tax, whereas others impose VAT and duties from the very first unit of currency.
As customs procedures are administered independently by each country, the application of duties can at times be unpredictable. Two parcels of similar value may receive different treatment depending on their documentation, product classification, or the outcome of an inspection.
