Do I pay taxes on my purchases from AliExpress and Chinese shops?
Do I pay taxes if I buy on AliExpress, SHEIN, Temu or any Chinese shop? It's one of the most common questions, and the answer changed in 2021.
We explain it simply, whether you buy for yourself or to resell.
The general rule: yes, you pay VAT
Since 1 July 2021, all purchases from outside the EU pay import VAT, regardless of their value. The old exemption for shipments up to €22 disappeared. So, barring exceptions, yes, you pay taxes.
And the duty?
Duty only applies when the goods value exceeds €150. Below that figure, your purchase is exempt from duty, but not from VAT.
Why am I sometimes charged nothing extra?
Many platforms (AliExpress, Temu, SHEIN...) are signed up to the IOSS system: they charge you VAT at the time of payment and the parcel enters with no additional charges at destination. That's why you sometimes see VAT already included in the final price. If the shop doesn't use IOSS, VAT and the carrier's possible handling fees are charged on delivery.
How much I may end up paying
- Purchase under €150: VAT (21% general) + possible courier handling fees.
- Purchase over €150: VAT + duty according to the product type + handling fees.
And if I buy to resell?
If you buy for your business, import VAT is deductible, but you need to do it correctly: with an invoice, an EORI number and declaring the real value. Buying large quantities on retail platforms is not the same as importing as a company, and it's best to channel it properly.
Beware of undervaluation
Some shops declare a value lower than the real one to reduce VAT. Accepting that practice exposes you to penalties: if customs detects the undervaluation, you're the one who answers for it.
How R'S WARE helps you
If your purchase volume grows, we help you professionalise importing: we group orders, declare the real value, handle taxes and customs, and get better prices and lead times than buying retail on platforms.
