Every country charges import taxes
When goods cross an international border, the destination country's customs authority charges taxes. This is standard worldwide and applies to all imported products, not just iWishBag orders.
Types of import taxes
- Customs duty -- A percentage of the declared value, based on the product category. Rates vary from 0% to 30%+ depending on the item type and country.
- VAT / GST / Sales tax -- Applied on top of the product value plus duty. Most countries charge 5-20%.
- Excise duty -- Additional tax on specific categories like electronics, luxury goods, or alcohol in some countries.
How we handle it
We estimate import taxes in your quote based on:
- The product category and its HS (Harmonized System) code
- The declared value of the goods
- Your destination country's published tariff rates
If the estimate is approximate, we clearly mark it in the quote. The final amount is determined by customs at the time of clearance.
De minimis thresholds
Many countries have a de minimis threshold -- a value below which no duty is charged. For example, some countries exempt imports valued under $50 or $100. This threshold varies by country and product type. We factor this into your quote when applicable.
Can I reduce import taxes?
Import tax rates are set by law and cannot be negotiated or avoided. We always declare the true value of goods. Under-declaration is illegal and can result in:
- Package seizure and destruction
- Fines and penalties
- Blacklisting for future imports
The best way to minimize total cost is to use the quote calculator to compare options before ordering.