International duties & VAT
What you may be charged when your order arrives outside the United States.
Bondid ships worldwide from the United States on a delivered-duty-unpaid (DDU) basis. Your total at checkout covers the product and shipping only. When your parcel reaches its destination, local customs may assess import charges — these are set and collected by your government and the carrier, not by Bondid, and are the recipient's responsibility.
Why can they run high? The largest part is usually the destination's standard sales tax — VAT or GST, typically 10–27% depending on the country — which residents pay on almost everything, and imports are charged it too. Clothing also carries some of the highest customs tariffs of any product category, at the full rate because the US has no free-trade agreement with most of these countries.
What you may be charged
Import duty — a tax on the value of the goods, based on the product category and its country of origin. Rates vary by destination.
Import VAT / GST— your country's value-added or goods-and-services tax, applied to the item (and sometimes to shipping and duty as well).
Carrier handling fee— a fixed administrative or “disbursement” fee the courier charges for clearing your parcel through customs and advancing the taxes on your behalf.
Estimated charges by destination
The table below shows approximate current rates for common destinations. Actual charges are determined by your local customs authority and may differ.
| Destination | Import VAT / GST | Typical duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | — | — | Domestic — no import charges |
| European Union | 17–27% | ~12% | VAT applies from €0; ~12% duty over €150, plus a small flat fee below €150 |
| United Kingdom | 20% | ~12% | Duty typically on orders over £135 |
| Canada | 5–15% | Varies | GST plus provincial tax; thresholds vary for US shipments |
| Australia | 10% | Varies | GST; low-value threshold around A$1,000 |
| New Zealand | 15% | Up to 10% | GST; low-value threshold around NZ$1,000 |
| Switzerland | 8.1% | 0% | Apparel import duties abolished Jan 2024; import VAT only |
| Norway | 25% | Varies | Low-value goods may clear via the VOEC scheme |
| South Korea | 10% | 0–13% | VAT; 0% on US-made apparel under KORUS FTA, else ~13%; de minimis ~$200 for US goods |
| Japan | 10% | ~5–13% | Consumption tax; duty-free under ¥10,000 except knitwear/leather |
| United Arab Emirates | 5% | 5% | Duty + VAT on CIF; low-value threshold ~AED 300 (Dubai) |
Rates last reviewed July 27, 2026.
These charges can apply to any destination outside the United States, whether or not it appears above. For countries not listed, the same principle holds — import duties, taxes, and carrier fees are set by your local customs authority. Check with them or your carrier for specifics before ordering.
What to expect on delivery
Your carrier will usually contact you — by text, email, or at the door — to collect any duties and taxes before final delivery. Paying promptly helps you avoid storage fees or a return to sender. For questions about a specific charge, contact the carrier shown on your tracking, or reach our team through Client service.
Please note
These figures are estimates provided for guidance only. Duty and tax rates, thresholds, and de minimis values are set by each destination country and can change at any time. Bondid cannot calculate, predict, or reduce these charges, and cannot refund duties or taxes on returned or refused parcels. For exact rates, consult your local customs authority.