Duty-free import of goods from abroad is limited. Let's find out when you need to pay customs duty and how to legally minimise costs.
Duty-free import limits in 2026
| Country | Limit (per month) | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | €200 | 31 kg | Air; €500 for ground shipments |
| Ukraine | €150 | 10 kg | Per parcel |
| Kazakhstan | €200 | 31 kg | For individuals |
| Belarus | €200 | 31 kg | Within EAEU |
| Estonia / EU | €150 | — | Since 2021, VAT from the first euro |
Note: If your order value exceeds the limit — customs may demand duty payment. In many EU countries this is the applicable VAT rate plus handling fees.
How duty is calculated in the EU
Example: you receive a parcel worth €250. The duty-free limit is €150. Excess = €100.
- VAT on the excess amount at your country's standard rate (e.g. 20%)
- Plus a handling fee charged by your national postal service
- DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) sellers handle this on your behalf
How customs finds out the parcel value
Customs officers check the seller's declaration. If the declared value is understated and this is discovered — the parcel will be held for inspection and valuation. Actual value is determined by comparing with similar goods on the market.
Tip: Asking the seller to understate the value on the declaration is illegal. The seller risks a fine and the buyer risks confiscation of goods.
What to do if your parcel is held at customs
- Wait for notification — customs will contact you (by mail or via tracking)
- Provide documents: payment confirmation, screenshot of the order with price
- Pay the duty through your country's official customs portal or bank
- If you disagree with the valuation — you can appeal within 3 months
How to legally reduce customs costs
- Split large orders into several parcels with a monthly gap
- Track the total value of parcels in a calendar month
- For EU countries — VAT applies to any amount, but sellers sometimes include it (DDP)
- Choose sellers who work with DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) — duty is already included
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the customs notification — the parcel may be returned to sender after 30 days
- Ordering expensive items in multiple parcels to the same address on the same day — values are combined
- Not saving a screenshot of the order with the price — without it, it's hard to dispute an inflated valuation