Customs & Duties Information

Understanding Customs Duties & Import Taxes (DDU Policy)

At Carry-Work, we ship worldwide under DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) terms. This page explains what this means for you and how to prepare for potential customs charges.

What is DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)?

DDU means that the seller (Carry-Work) is responsible for delivering goods to your country, but you (the buyer) are responsible for paying all import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees required by your country's customs authorities.

Important: Product prices and shipping costs on our website DO NOT include customs duties, import taxes (VAT/GST), or clearance fees.

What Charges Might I Pay?

Depending on your country, you may be required to pay:

  • Customs Duties: Taxes on imported goods based on product type and value
  • Import VAT/GST: Value-added tax or goods and services tax
  • Clearance Fees: Administrative fees charged by customs brokers or carriers
  • Handling Fees: Additional fees charged by shipping carriers for customs processing

How Much Will I Pay?

Customs charges vary significantly by country and depend on:

  • The declared value of your order
  • Your country's import tax rates and thresholds
  • The type of products (leather goods, accessories, etc.)
  • Your country's trade agreements

We strongly recommend checking with your local customs office or using your country's customs duty calculator before placing an order to estimate potential charges.

When & How Do I Pay?

Customs charges are typically collected in one of two ways:

  1. Upon Delivery: The shipping carrier will collect payment when delivering your package
  2. Before Release: Customs authorities may contact you to pay before releasing your package

You will receive notification directly from the carrier or customs office with payment instructions.

Common Questions

Can you mark my package as a "gift" or declare a lower value?

No. We are legally required to accurately declare the full commercial value of all shipments. Falsifying customs declarations is illegal and can result in:

  • Package seizure or confiscation
  • Fines and penalties
  • Criminal charges
  • Significant delivery delays

What happens if I refuse to pay customs charges?

If you refuse to pay customs duties or taxes:

  • Your package will be returned to us
  • You will be responsible for return shipping costs
  • Refunds will be issued minus all shipping fees (original and return)
  • The process can take several weeks

Why doesn't Carry-Work pay these fees?

Customs duties and import taxes are government-imposed charges that vary by country and are beyond our control. These fees support your country's economy and customs operations. As an international seller, we cannot predict or control these charges, which is why we ship under DDU terms.

Customs Information by Region

European Union (EU)

All goods imported into the EU are subject to:

  • Import VAT: Typically 19-27% depending on the country
  • Customs Duties: Variable rates based on product classification
  • No duty-free threshold for commercial shipments

United Kingdom

  • VAT: 20% on most goods
  • Customs Duty: Varies by product type
  • Threshold: Orders over £135 are subject to import VAT and duties

United States

  • De minimis threshold: Orders under $800 are typically duty-free
  • Above $800: Customs duties apply based on product classification
  • State sales tax may apply in some states

Canada

  • GST/HST: 5-15% depending on province
  • Customs Duties: Variable rates
  • Threshold: Orders over CAD $20 may be subject to duties and taxes
  • Handling fees: Carriers typically charge $10-30 CAD

Australia

  • GST: 10% on all imported goods
  • Customs Duty: Generally 5% on leather goods
  • Threshold: Orders over AUD $1,000 are subject to duties

Asia (excluding Thailand)

Customs regulations vary significantly by country. Common charges include:

  • Import duties: 0-30% depending on country and product
  • VAT/GST: 5-20%
  • Clearance and handling fees

Thailand (Domestic)

Orders shipped within Thailand are not subject to customs duties or import taxes. Delivery typically takes 3-5 business days.

How to Prepare

  1. Research your country's rates: Visit your customs authority's website
  2. Use duty calculators: Many countries offer online tools to estimate charges
  3. Budget accordingly: Factor potential customs charges into your purchase decision
  4. Keep documentation: Save your order confirmation and tracking information
  5. Respond promptly: If contacted by customs, respond quickly to avoid delays

Need Help?

If you have questions about customs duties or need assistance with your order, please contact us at contact@carry-work.com. While we cannot pay customs charges on your behalf, we're happy to provide documentation or assistance to help resolve any customs issues.

Last updated: January 26, 2026