KEEPERsport is an EU-based company, we are shipping from outside of the UK. There are some changes that came with Brexit you need to know about. Ordering items online from EU based retailers may leave you responsible for unexpected fees.
Here we explain what they are and how much they might be.
What changed with Brexit?
On 24 December 2020, the United Kingdom and the European Union reached a post-Brexit trade agreement. But the deal doesn’t mean ‘business as usual’ for shipping between the UK and the EU. Businesses and carriers will now face more paperwork and administration when shipping, meaning increased costs and adjustments to supply chains. This may lead to some delay, although not necessarily. Customs clearance will now be required for all goods moving between the UK and the EU, including returns. Anything posted or couriered to you goes through customs to check it is not banned or restricted and you pay the right tax and ‘duty’ (customs charges) on it.
The general rule is that shipments with a value of over £135 are obliged to pay customs duty and import sales tax. Our online store features a warning message if you reach the threshold.
How do I avoid having to pay import fees?
Rest assured, KEEPERsport will alert you if your order value exceeds the threshold.
Tip: Place several orders with a value of less than £135 to avoid having to pay import fees
How much will I have to pay?
How much extra you could be charged depends on the total value of your order, also known as the consignment value. The fee can range from 0 - 25% depending on the goods you’ve bought. For example a pair of trainers has a duty of 16% applied when brought into the UK. The rules for customs duties and the amount applied vary depending on the item, and finding out how much tariffs are can be time consuming.
We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Contact UK customs for more information.
When do I have to pay?
The import charges become applicable if the goods exceed the £135 threshold. This includes the cost of the item, the insurance and shipping cost. These costs will be determined by the customs department upon arrival in the UK and must be paid by the recipient. The delivery company will collect the charges from you.
Can I refuse to pay the import fees?
You may refuse to accept the package and it will be sent back to us.
Should you do so, we may withhold to refund you your original shipping costs. The reason is that the customs process charges and return costs will be billed to KEEPERsport.
I live in Northern Ireland. Do these rules apply to me?
The above-mentioned rules differ for online shoppers based in Northern Ireland due to the country’s unique position in the EU’s single market. Shopping between Northern Ireland and the EU remains more or less unchanged. Rules for import VAT and customs duties are much the same as they were before Brexit.