Hey there! Welcome to Datriss :)
"My $100 order arrived with a $50 customs bill... I had no idea!"
This is the #1 fear people have about international shopping. Let's clear it up!
1️⃣ The Magic Numbers: Duty-Free Thresholds
Most countries let you import goods tax-free under a certain value:
- 🇺🇸 USA: $800 (amazing!)
- 🇬🇧 UK: £135
- 🇪🇺 EU: €150
- 🇦🇺 Australia: AUD $1,000 (very generous!)
- 🇯🇵 Japan: ¥16,666 (~$110)
- 🇨🇦 Canada: CAD $20 (duty), CAD $150 (taxes)
⚠️ Critical! The threshold includes shipping cost! A $145 item + $10 shipping = $155, over a $150 threshold!
2️⃣ Duty Rates by Category
If you're over the threshold, here's what to expect:
✨ Electronics (GREAT for international!)
- Laptops/Tablets: 0% duty
- Smartphones: 0% duty
- Headphones: 0-5% duty
👗 Fashion (Higher duties)
- Clothing: 10-20% duty
- Shoes: 10-25% duty
- Bags: 5-15% duty
✅ Pro insight: Electronics have LOW/NO duty - that's why buying tech internationally is so popular!
3️⃣ Real Cost Examples
Example A: $200 Sneakers to UK
- Product: $200
- Shipping: $25
- Dutiable value: $225
- Duty (12%): $27
- VAT (20%): ~$50
- Total extra: ~$77
Example B: $400 Laptop to UK
- Product: $400
- Shipping: $30
- Duty (0%): $0 ← Laptops are duty-free!
- VAT (20%): $86
- Total extra: ~$86
Example C: $80 Supplements to Australia
- Product: $80
- Shipping: $15
- Total: $95
- Under $1,000 threshold = $0 extra!
4️⃣ Shipping Methods Compared
📬 Standard International
- Cost: $10-25
- Time: 2-4 weeks
- Best for: Non-urgent, lower value items
⚡ Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Cost: $30-80+
- Time: 3-7 days
- Bonus: They handle customs for you!
📦 Freight Forwarding
- Cost: $5-10 per pound
- Time: 10-20 days
- Best for: Multiple packages from different stores
💡 Tip: Express couriers (DHL, FedEx) handle customs clearance for you - worth it for expensive items!
5️⃣ Pro Tips to Minimize Costs
1️⃣ Stay under the threshold - Split large orders if needed
2️⃣ Choose DDP shipping - "Delivered Duty Paid" means no surprises
3️⃣ Buy electronics internationally - 0% duty = big savings!
4️⃣ Keep receipts - Proof of value for customs disputes
⚠️ Never do this: Don't ask sellers to mark down the value. It's illegal and penalties are severe!
Quick Calculation Before You Buy
✅ Product price + shipping = landed cost
✅ Under threshold? → No duty!
✅ Over threshold? → Add ~15% for clothes, ~0% for electronics, plus VAT
✅ Still cheaper than local? → Go for it!
Calculate your costs before buying with Datriss!
- The Datriss Team ✨