From 1 July you always pay VAT on purchases in web shops outside the EU. This applies to Shein, Wish, Aliexpress, but also other stores, for example in the UK. The mprevious of online shoppers are not aware of new EU rules
Anyone who buys something from a webshop outside the European Union (EU) from 1 July always pays VAT. Also for purchases under € 22. This is due to the new EU VAT rules. A poll commissioned by Customs* shows that the majority of Dutch people (52%) who bought something in a web shop outside the EU in the past six months, are not yet aware of the new EU VAT rules. That is why Customs is starting a campaign to prevent online shoppers from being surprised by unexpectedly more expensive purchases.
Currently, companies outside the EU do not have to charge import VAT for packages up to € 22, but companies within the EU do. This allows web shops outside the EU to offer products cheaper than European web shops. With the new rules, that will change. This contributes to fairer competition with European web shops.
According to Nanette van Schelven, Director-General of Customs, information about the new EU VAT rules is important:“With the Internet purchases campaign, Customs wants to make consumers aware of the additional costs in a web shop outside the EU. For purchases under € 22, the VAT will be added from 1 July. Usually this concerns 21% of the purchase amount. On www.douane.nl/internetaankopen you will find more information about the new VAT rules and additional costs for orders in web shops outside the EU.”
China has been a favorite for years when it comes to web shops outside the European Union. Not surprising, because almost everyone has placed an order on Shein, Aliexpress or Wish. The in-depth survey commissioned by Customs confirms this. Nine out of ten (90.6%) respondents made a purchase here recently.
British webshops are in second place (14%). As of January 1, 2021, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU. Web shops in the United States (12.3%) also remain popular. The latter mainly among 16 and 17-year-olds (24.3%).
Do you buy something in a webshop outside the EU? Check before you pay which costs are included. If the VAT is not included, you will pay it afterwards. The postal or parcel company that transports the package in the Netherlands will declare this to Customs.
The postal or parcel company often charges a fee for this administrative work; the customs clearance costs. The customs clearance costs differ per carrier and are in addition to the VAT that you pay to Customs. With purchases from € 150 you usually pay customs duties (up to 12% of the purchase amount).
Would you like to know more about additional costs for purchases in web shops outside the EU? Look at www.douane.nl/internetaankopen or ask your question to the virtual assistant.
Many people know that Shein's products come from China. However, Shein itself has various storage locations in various European countries (including Germany), so that you do not have to deal with additional VAT for orders from Shein. That also explains why you don't have to wait so long for these orders. However, Shein will also have to deal with additional levies for imports to a European warehouse. So there is a good chance that the prices will be adjusted accordingly.
About the poll
The survey was conducted by PanelWizard from 2 to 12 April 2021 on behalf of Customs. The survey included 1,116 respondents aged 16 and over who made at least one purchase in a web shop located outside the European Union in the past six months.
