Rules for online shopping outside the EU

The holidays are just around the corner. The perfect time to start looking for nice presents. For many people this is also the perfect time to take a look at foreign sites such as Aliexpress and Wish for affordable gifts. But did you know that there are rules for online shopping outside the EU? Discover these now and avoid hefty fines or sky-high import duties afterwards.

Online shopping abroad

On Friday 26 November it will be Black Friday again. A day when many shops (online and brick shops) come up with extra offers. Not only local shops participate in this, but also online shops abroad often stunt with prices. Cheap providers such as Aliexpress and Wish are especially popular around Black Friday and the holidays. Not surprising, because the best products here only cost a semblance of what they cost in the local store. Even stores such as Action often cannot compete with these competitive prices.

Rules for online shopping outside the EU

What many people do not know, however, is that there are rules for shopping outside the EU. For example, since 1 July 2021 you pay import duties and VAT on products that you shop outside the EU. Also, you can't just buy everything. Research conducted by customs authorities has shown that many people think they know what can and cannot be imported, only to find out that they were completely wrong. This can have major consequences, especially financially.

It is therefore important to be aware of all applicable rules to avoid problems. For example, you may import alcohol under certain conditions, but counterfeit goods are an absolute go.

Below you will find all the customs rules in a row, so that you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises:

• You have to pay VAT on all packages that are delivered outside the EU, unless they have already been settled by the shop/supplier
• For products with a value from 150 euros you pay import duties (max 12%) plus customs clearance duties
• You should not buy counterfeit products (these are also known as 1:1) among young people. If you get caught, you are in violation and you commit intellectual property fraud. It is prohibited to counterfeit, trade or import products, even if they are only used by yourself. If customs find out, you can get a hefty fine. In addition, you will lose your order anyway. More information can be found on the website of the tax authorities.
• You cannot buy medicines
• Weapons, fake weapons, pepper spray, ammunition and explosives may not be purchased. Have you seen a nice (pocket) knife? Then you can order these online with confidence
• Stay away from protected animal and plant species. So also pay attention if, for example, you want to buy a bag or shoes made of crocodile leather
• As far as food is concerned, you are NOT allowed to order animal products such as meat and cheese. On the other hand, have you seen chocolate, candy or cookies? Then you can just order it

This way you can order cheaply on Ali, Wish and Shein

To get straight to the point:Shein does not fall under the rules for shopping outside the EU as they have distribution centers in Europe. So you can order here without any problems, although the range is not as extensive as, for example, on Aliexpress or Wish.

Don't feel like paying VAT or import duties? Don't want to be faced with nasty surprises? Then check whether the supplier also offers a European supplier. Especially on Aliexpress you see more and more that providers ship from Spain, France, Poland or the Czech Republic.