When do I owe a duty on import and export of goods?

 

I like shopping from other countries because of the variety of possibilities but also because I find that some purchases are offered relatively cheaply abroad compared to the Bulgarian market. But is this really true or is there any trap in international online shopping? Is that really the final price? Is VAT included? A delivery? A duty?

 

First, what is the duty?

Customs duty is a charge for import or export of goods from one country to another. It is determined by the respective state or union of states. The duty is obligatory for all citizens and is collected by the customs authorities. Its purpose is to support the local production and supplementation of the state budget. Customs duties and taxes are usually not included in the price of goods ordered online. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep a close eye on the subject in order to make sure that Christmas purchases are in my budget.

 

Important! If I want to be 100% sure of what I do, I do not risk unnecessary fees, taxes or fines - I can quickly and easily contact a customs officer on this page.

 

When do I have to pay a dime?

This depends on the country from which the ordered goods will be delivered. First of all, I have to check whether or not it is a member of the EU.

 

Important! As a member of the European Union, Bulgaria is part of the Customs Union which abolishes customs duties and all charges having equivalent effect on imports and exports of goods between Member States. In practice, this means that if I buy a good from another EU country I will not pay a dime. You may only be charged for delivery, the price of which I can check on the online store site.

 

But what happens to products from China, the US or other non-EU countries and the Customs Union?

Bulgaria and other EU countries have a common customs tariff. This means that third country duties to all EU countries are the same. Their value depends on the price of the product:

 

For a consignment of up to EUR 15, no duty and VAT are due.

For goods between EUR 15 and EUR 150 no duty is payable, but VAT must be paid at the rate of 20%.

For shipments over 150 Euros, both customs duty and VAT are due.

Important! Any technique, such as computers, tablets and telephones, is exempt from duty regardless of the price at which it was purchased.

 

Important! For alcoholic products, perfumes, toilet waters, as well as tobacco products, regardless of price, I pay duty and VAT.

 

In the case of parcels from a non-commercial individual, such as a gift from a relative, I do not owe a duty and VAT if the shipment is worth less than 45 euros. However, there are restrictions on tobacco, alcohol and perfumery products. They can send me up to 50 cigarettes, up to 50 ml. perfume and up to 1 liter of spirits. Wine and beer, such as those with low alcohol content, have a limit of 2 liters.

 

Apart from the price, the duty is also determined depending on the type of the goods. For example, toys, watches, clothes and books are in different categories and therefore have a different duty rate. On the TARIC website, I can easily check the percentage of duty for each product.

 

VAT for services abroad: When is it charged and in what amount.

 

How do I pay the duty if it is not included in the price?

International shipments are received through Bulgarian Posts or through private courier companies. In the former case, the shipment is discharged by the customs in an accelerated procedure at the local customs authorities, paying a customs duty and VAT (if any), transport costs, and a service charge. In the latter case, private courier companies pay to the customs authorities on my behalf all the duties and taxes that are payable on the goods. After that, the expenses are paid to the company by me, and then I receive the Christmas gifts.