Important information about import charges for EU customers

Last updated: 10 November 2026

Important information about import charges for EU customers

Since 1 January 2021 the UK has been outside the EU customs union and VAT area. This means we no longer charge UK VAT at checkout.

However, when your parcel arrives in the EU you may be asked to pay import VAT, customs duty and EU handling fees by your local postal service or courier before the parcel is released to you.

What has changed?

From 1 July 2026, parcels worth €150 or less are charged a flat €3 customs duty for each type of goods (customs line) in the parcel. Similar parts, such as motorcycle spares, are usually grouped onto one line.
From 1 November 2026, an extra €2 EU handling fee (plus VAT) is charged for each customs line, whatever the parcel’s value. That makes about €5 per line for parcels up to €150.
Parcels worth over €150 pay normal customs duty instead of the €3, plus the €2 handling fee per line.

Example: a brake disc, brake pads and a chain are all motorcycle parts, so they would normally go on one customs line: €3 + €2 = €5, plus import VAT.

These charges are on top of import VAT, usually 17–27% depending on your country, charged on the value of your order including shipping. Your postal service or courier may also add its own small fee.

How does this work with our DDU shipping?

We send all EU orders on a Delivery Duties Unpaid (DDU) basis. This means:

We do not collect import VAT, the €3 duty or the €2 handling fee at the time you pay on our website.
When the parcel reaches your country, your local postal service or courier will contact you (usually by email or SMS, sometimes by a payment link or on delivery).
You will need to pay the import VAT, customs duty (€3 per customs line for parcels up to €150), the €2 handling fee per customs line, and any local handling fee before they deliver the parcel.
If you do not pay the charges, the parcel will be returned to us and unfortunately we cannot refund the original shipping cost.
Import VAT, customs duty and EU handling fees are paid directly to your local customs authority or courier, not to us, so we are unable to refund them under any circumstances, including if you return or refuse the parcel.

What should you do?

Keep an eye on your tracking information after the parcel has been posted.
Pay any charges promptly when requested. This avoids delays and the risk of the parcel being returned.
The charges are set by the EU/customs authorities and the local delivery company, not by us.

Questions about import charges?

EU import rules and charges vary by country and change often, so please check with your local customs or tax authority for what applies to you.

We understand this adds extra cost and hassle compared to before. Unfortunately these are EU rule changes that affect all parcels coming into the EU from the UK. We have chosen to continue with simple DDU shipping rather than more complex “duties paid” services.

Thank you for your understanding.