Customs duty, explained

What customs duty is, who pays it, and what decides the amount when you ship from the US to another country.

The basics

What customs duty is

Customs duty is a tax a country charges on goods coming across its border. Most international shipments are assessed for it when they arrive, and the amount follows the destination country’s own rules.

That means duty isn’t set by the carrier or by us. We can’t raise it or waive it. What we can do is help you declare the shipment properly, so it is assessed correctly and clears without a hold.

What decides how much you pay

Four things, and every country weighs them its own way.

Declared value

Duty is usually a percentage of what the goods are worth, so the value on the declaration matters most.

What the item is

Clothing, electronics, food and gifts can each be taxed at different rates.

Where it's going

Each country sets its own duty rates and the value below which nothing is charged.

Where it was made

Trade agreements can reduce or remove duty on goods from certain countries of origin.

Clearance

How customs clearance usually works

You declare it

The shipment travels with a declaration listing what is inside and what it is worth.

Customs reviews it

On arrival, customs checks the declaration and may inspect the goods.

Duty and tax are assessed

Any duty and import tax is worked out and billed, usually to the recipient.

It is released

Once charges are paid, the shipment goes out for delivery.

Who pays customs duty

In most cases the recipient pays duty and any import tax when the shipment arrives. That is separate from the shipping cost you pay when you book. Some countries require payment before the shipment is released for delivery.

On some services the sender can pay duty and taxes in advance, so the recipient has nothing to pay at the door. That is handy for gifts and for customers who don’t expect a bill. Ask us whether it is possible on your route.

If charges go unpaid, the shipment can be held, returned or abandoned, and the cost can come back to the sender. It is worth agreeing who pays before you ship.

Duty is not the only charge

Many countries also charge an import tax, such as VAT or GST, on top of any duty. In many places it is worked out on the value of the goods plus shipping and duty, so it can be the larger of the two.

Some countries charge no duty below a certain value but still charge import tax. Those limits vary by country and change from time to time, so we don’t publish them here. Tell us where you are shipping and we will tell you what to expect.

How to avoid customs delays

Declare the real value. Under-declaring can lead to holds, fines or a returned shipment.
Describe each item clearly, for example “men's cotton shirts” rather than “clothes”.
Give full sender and recipient details, including a phone number for the recipient.
Check your items against the prohibited items guide and your destination’s rules.
Tell us if it is a move or a gift. Used personal effects and gifts are often treated differently.

Customs duty questions

Can’t find yours? Call us and talk to a person.

+1 (404) 793-8759 All questions

Often, but not always. It depends on the destination country, what you are sending and its value. Many countries set a value below which no duty is charged, and those limits vary. Import taxes such as VAT or GST can still apply even when no duty is due.

Usually the recipient, when the shipment arrives. On some services the sender can arrange to pay duty and taxes in advance so the recipient has nothing to pay. Ask us whether that is possible for your shipment.

Some countries give an allowance for genuine gifts between individuals, but the rules and limits differ by country. A gift still has to be declared with an honest description and value.

No. Duty and import taxes are set and collected by the destination country's customs authority, separately from your shipping cost. Some carriers add a handling fee when they pay duty on the recipient's behalf.

We can tell you what to expect for your route and the type of goods. The exact amount is decided by customs when the shipment arrives, based on the declaration.

What our customers say

Real reviews from Google, shown word for word.

4.5Rated on Google

“I used TYS Global Logistics for moving my entire 2-bedroom house. I spent over a month comparing different moving companies because I wanted a good rate without compromising on the service. TYS offered me the cheapest rates, along with flexible timing as per my availability. Their team handled my belongings carefully, and I received proper tracking updates throughout the shipment. The delivery was delayed by one day, but they informed me about it in advance and explained the reason properly. Overall, it was a good experience. I would definitely consider using their service again.”
JJalak PandyaLocal Guide on Google
“I used TYS Global Logistics to send my belongings and had a really smooth experience. The team was helpful and handled everything properly. My items arrived safely and the pricing was also good. Overall, I’m happy with the service.”
DDiti KelaiyaGoogle review
“Overall, a good experience with TYS Global Logistics. Used their service to move some furniture and household items. The packing was done properly, and the team handled everything carefully. There was a small delay in delivery, but they kept me updated. Overall, good service and reasonable pricing.”
DDhvani KanziyaGoogle review
“Used TYS Global Logistics for moving my household items. Good service, reasonable pricing, and everything was handled carefully. Overall, it was a smooth and good experience. Special thanks to Krutik from their team for his support throughout the process.”
NNikita SinghGoogle review
“Good experience with TYS Global Logistics. The team was helpful, the process was smooth, and everything was handled carefully.”
HHansaliya PritGoogle review
“Affordable service”
KKinjal PatelGoogle review

“I used TYS Global Logistics for moving my entire 2-bedroom house. I spent over a month comparing different moving companies because I wanted a good rate without compromising on the service. TYS offered me the cheapest rates, along with flexible timing as per my availability. Their team handled my belongings carefully, and I received proper tracking updates throughout the shipment. The delivery was delayed by one day, but they informed me about it in advance and explained the reason properly. Overall, it was a good experience. I would definitely consider using their service again.”
JJalak PandyaLocal Guide on Google
“I used TYS Global Logistics to send my belongings and had a really smooth experience. The team was helpful and handled everything properly. My items arrived safely and the pricing was also good. Overall, I’m happy with the service.”
DDiti KelaiyaGoogle review
“Overall, a good experience with TYS Global Logistics. Used their service to move some furniture and household items. The packing was done properly, and the team handled everything carefully. There was a small delay in delivery, but they kept me updated. Overall, good service and reasonable pricing.”
DDhvani KanziyaGoogle review
“Used TYS Global Logistics for moving my household items. Good service, reasonable pricing, and everything was handled carefully. Overall, it was a smooth and good experience. Special thanks to Krutik from their team for his support throughout the process.”
NNikita SinghGoogle review
“Good experience with TYS Global Logistics. The team was helpful, the process was smooth, and everything was handled carefully.”
HHansaliya PritGoogle review
“Affordable service”
KKinjal PatelGoogle review

Not sure what customs will charge? Ask us.

Tell us what you are sending and where. A real person replies, usually within 24 hours.

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