Important information about import charges for EU customers
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 possibly a small handling fee by your local postal service or courier before the parcel is released to you.
What is changing on 1 July 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the EU is introducing a new rule that affects almost all parcels sent from the UK (and other non-EU countries).
- A flat €3 customs duty will now apply to each customs item in your parcel.
- A “customs item” is generally one type of product (for example, one brake pad, one chain, one set of spark plugs, one mirror, etc.).
- If your order contains several different types of parts, you may be charged €3 for each different type.
Example: If you order a brake disc, a set of brake pads, and a chain in the same parcel, this would normally be treated as three customs items = €9 customs duty (plus import VAT on the total value including shipping).
This €3 duty is charged in addition to normal import VAT (which is usually 20–27% depending on your country).
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 or the new €3 duty 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 + the new €3 per item duty + any 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.
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.
Need help estimating the charges?
If you would like an idea of what the import charges are likely to be for your order, please email us with your order details or the items you’re interested in. We’re happy to give you a rough estimate based on the new rules.
We understand this adds extra cost and hassle compared to before. Unfortunately this is an EU rule change that affects all parcels coming into the EU from the UK from July 2026 onwards. We have chosen to continue with simple DDU shipping rather than more complex “duties paid” services.
Thank you for your understanding.