Important information about import taxes and customs fees for international orders
Important: Thomas Super Store ships from the Netherlands. For orders delivered outside the European Union, customs duties and import taxes may be charged by your local customs authority. These fees are not included in our product prices or shipping costs and are the sole responsibility of the recipient. We strongly encourage you to check your country's import regulations before placing an order.
Whether you need to pay customs duties depends on where you live. Here is a clear overview by region:
The EU is a single customs union. Since we ship from the Netherlands (an EU member state), all orders to EU countries are delivered without any customs duties or additional import taxes. VAT is included in the product price via the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) system.
| Customs duties | None |
| Import VAT | Included in price (OSS) |
| Additional fees | None |
Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU customs union. Orders may be subject to UK import VAT (20%) and customs duty. Consignments valued under GBP 135 are generally handled differently, with the seller potentially collecting VAT at checkout.
| De minimis threshold | GBP 135 |
| Import VAT rate | 20% |
| Toy import duty | 0 – 4.7% |
The US has a generous de minimis threshold. Shipments valued under USD 800 are typically exempt from customs duty. Above this threshold, toys are generally classified under HTS Chapter 95 and may incur duty.
| De minimis threshold | USD 800 |
| Sales tax | Varies by state |
| Toy import duty | 0 – 6.5% |
Canada has a low de minimis threshold. Most orders will be subject to customs duty and GST/HST. Brokerage fees charged by the carrier may also apply.
| De minimis threshold | CAD 20 |
| GST/HST | 5 – 15% |
| Toy import duty | 0 – 8% |
Australia has a high de minimis threshold for goods. Goods valued under AUD 1,000 are generally exempt from customs duty and GST at the border, although GST may be collected by the seller.
| De minimis threshold | AUD 1,000 |
| GST rate | 10% |
| Toy import duty | 0 – 5% |
Japan has a de minimis value of JPY 10,000 (approximately EUR 60). Above this, consumption tax and possible customs duty apply. Toys generally have low or zero duty rates.
| De minimis threshold | JPY 10,000 |
| Consumption tax | 10% |
| Toy import duty | 0 – 3.9% |
Switzerland is not in the EU and applies its own customs duties and VAT on most imports. The threshold is low, so most orders will incur charges. Swiss Post typically collects these fees on delivery.
| De minimis threshold | CHF 65 (VAT portion) |
| Swiss VAT | 8.1% |
| Handling fee | CHF 11.50 (typical) |
For all other countries, customs duties, import taxes, and handling fees are determined by your local customs authority. We recommend checking with your national customs office before ordering.
| Duties | Varies by country |
| Import tax | Varies by country |
| Handling fees | May apply |
We handle VAT differently depending on where you are located:
| Region | VAT Treatment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 21% BTW included | Dutch VAT is always included in the displayed price. |
| EU Countries | Local VAT via OSS | We charge the VAT rate of your country through the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) system. Prices shown include VAT. |
| United Kingdom | VAT-free export | Products are exported without Dutch VAT. UK import VAT (20%) may be collected by customs or the carrier. |
| US & Canada | VAT-free export | No European VAT charged. Local sales tax or GST/HST may apply upon import. |
| All other countries | VAT-free export | No European VAT charged. Local import VAT/GST determined by your country's customs authority. |
OSS (One Stop Shop): Since July 2021, the EU requires online sellers to charge the destination country's VAT rate for cross-border B2C sales. Thomas Super Store is registered for OSS, so all EU customers pay the correct VAT rate for their country automatically. No surprises at the door.
International shipping uses specific trade terms (Incoterms) that determine who pays for customs duties:
| Term | Full Name | Who Pays Duties? | Our Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAP / DDU | Delivered at Place (Duty Unpaid) | The buyer (you) | This is our standard |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | The seller (us) | Not currently offered |
All international orders from Thomas Super Store are shipped DAP (Delivered at Place), also known as DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid). This means:
Tip: Refusing a package because of unexpected customs charges does not waive the fees. The package will be returned to us, and return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund. Please check potential duties before ordering.
Toys are generally classified under HS/HTS Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports equipment). The customs duty rate for toys varies by country. Below are approximate rates for common destinations:
| Country | Toy Duty Rate (approx.) | Import VAT / GST | De Minimis |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 0 – 4.7% | 20% | GBP 135 |
| United States | 0 – 6.5% | Varies by state | USD 800 |
| Canada | 0 – 8% | 5 – 15% GST/HST | CAD 20 |
| Australia | 0 – 5% | 10% GST | AUD 1,000 |
| Japan | 0 – 3.9% | 10% | JPY 10,000 |
| Switzerland | Weight-based | 8.1% | CHF 65 |
| Norway | 0% | 25% | NOK 350 |
| South Korea | 8% | 10% | USD 150 |
| Singapore | 0% | 9% GST | SGD 400 |
| Brazil | 20 – 35% | Various | USD 50 |
| India | 20 – 60% | 18% GST | Low |
Note: These rates are approximate and for general guidance only. Actual rates may vary depending on the specific product classification, trade agreements, and regulations in effect at the time of import. Always consult your local customs authority for exact rates.
When your package arrives at your country's border, the following process typically occurs:
Accurate declarations: We always declare the true value of goods on customs forms. Under-declaring the value is illegal and can result in fines, seizure of goods, or delays. We follow all international trade regulations.
For detailed information about import duties in your country, we recommend these official resources:
Not sure what fees might apply to your order? Our team can help you estimate potential customs charges before you buy.
