2024-04-24, Associated pexels.com photo.
When looking at US online stores, many people’s jaws drop – the goods are the same as in Europe, but the prices are incomparably better. This is one of the main reasons why people tend to buy in the USA and download their purchases to Lithuania.
However, before succumbing to the temptation of prices, it is worth knowing a few very important aspects.
Don’t make hasty decisions after seeing attractive prices
Although prices are often knock-offs in the US, especially for electronics and clothing, it’s important not to make decisions without thinking them through. A large number of buyers simply forget that the price they pay for a product when purchasing it in a US online store is not final. Shipping costs are added to it, as well as customs fees.
What are the US customs fees?
You will be subject to customs duty and import VAT when purchasing goods from the US. Customs from the USA is applied when the price of your purchased item exceeds 150 EUR. How much exactly will you have to pay? It depends on the items you purchase.
Import VAT is 21 percent. the amount of the product you purchased and its shipping costs. This tax applies to all goods, regardless of their price or nature.
I want to declare the shipment myself. How to do it?
After purchasing a product from the USA, the value of which is less than EUR 1000, and receiving a notification that it has reached Lithuania, you can declare the shipment yourself. For this, you need to register in the BAP (Common User Management Portal), apply for an EORI code and, finally, submit a declaration in the iMDAS customs declaration system. However, there are additional conditions when only the carrier can submit the declaration.
What else is important to know?
If you are declaring a shipment from the USA for the first time, the process may seem a little strange. Therefore, if you have any questions, it is advisable to contact specialists who will provide accurate information and help you more easily understand the sequence of actions to be performed.
It is also important to note that your package purchased in the US will only be delivered once you have declared the package and paid the necessary taxes.
I changed my decision – I no longer want the product. Do I still have to pay customs duty?
It depends on when you make the decision. If you received a notification about the arrival of the package, declared it, paid the necessary taxes and collected it (or the package was delivered to you), but decided to return it, your customs tax and VAT tax payments will not be refunded.
In the event that you have decided that you do not need the purchased goods even before the shipment is declared, there is always the option to ignore the received information messages about the arrived shipment. After the storage period of the package, it will be returned to the recipient. And he will return the money paid for the product to your account. However, it is important to note that in some cases, the seller may charge extra for returning the package. As a result, you may receive a lower refund for the item or items than you expected.
