What are customs duties and import taxes?

When you order products from NORDIC EXPAT SHOP to a destination outside your local customs area, your order may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, VAT, and/or handling fees charged by your country’s customs authorities.

These charges are not included in the product price or shipping cost and are determined by local regulations in the destination country.

Who is responsible for paying customs fees? 

For all international orders:

• The customer (recipient) is responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, or clearance fees applied by local authorities.

These fees are typically collected by the shipping carrier or customs office before or upon delivery of the shipment.

When do customs charges apply?  

Customs charges may apply when:

• Orders are shipped outside the European Union or other tax-free zones
• Local import thresholds or exemptions are exceeded
• Your country’s customs authority applies duties or VAT to imported goods

Each country applies its own rules, rates, and thresholds.

Customs clearance, delays & inspections

All international shipments may be subject to customs inspection.

This means:

• Parcels may be delayed while being processed by customs
• Additional documentation may be required from the recipient
• Delivery times may vary depending on local authorities

Customs processing is outside our control and is not included in estimated delivery times.

Important information about payment requests

Customs duties and import fees are collected by your local customs authority or courier (such as DHL, FedEx, or PostNord) upon arrival in your country.

This is a standard international shipping procedure.

If you receive a payment request from your courier:

• It is related to import clearance, not a charge from NORDIC EXPAT SHOP
• Payment is required to release your shipment

If you are ever unsure about a payment request, we recommend:

• Contacting your local courier directly for confirmation, or
• Reaching out to our customer support team before proceeding

Import rules and restrictions

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that ordered products comply with local import laws and regulations in the destination country.

We recommend checking your country’s import rules before placing an order, especially for restricted or regulated products.

Refused or unpaid customs charges

If customs duties or import fees are not paid, your shipment may be:

• Delayed
• Handled according to local customs procedures
• Seen as abandoned
• Returned at the cost of the receiver

In some cases, additional carrier handling or return costs may apply depending on the destination country and shipping provider, we do not offer free returns. More information can be found here: Return & Refund Policy.

Key summary

To keep it simple:

• Customs duties and import taxes are set by your country
• The customer is responsible for paying these charges
• Customs may inspect or delay shipments
• Courier payment requests are standard practice for import clearance
• Rules vary depending on destination country

Terms & Conditions

All orders are subject to our Terms & Conditions.