Customs Duties, Import Taxes & International Orders

When ordering SIMO products internationally, your shipment may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, VAT/GST, brokerage fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country.

These fees are determined by your local customs authority and are not included in the purchase price or shipping charges unless otherwise stated at checkout.

Who Is Responsible for Customs Fees?

The customer (importer) is responsible for paying any applicable:

• Customs duties
• Import taxes (VAT, GST, or similar taxes)
• Customs clearance or brokerage fees
• Other government-imposed import charges

These fees are typically collected by the shipping carrier or your local customs office before your package is delivered.

SIMO does not collect or determine these charges and cannot reimburse or waive them.

Why Am I Being Charged Import Fees?

Import fees vary by country and are determined by local customs authorities based on factors such as:

• Product value
• Product category
• Country of origin
• Package weight and dimensions
• Local tax and customs regulations

Because these rules differ from country to country and may change over time, SIMO cannot accurately estimate or include these charges during checkout.

Orders Within the European Union (EU)

For shipments between EU member countries, customs duties generally do not apply.

If applicable, VAT is typically included in the purchase price shown at checkout, so you should not incur additional customs charges for deliveries between EU countries.

Orders Entering the EU from Non-EU Countries

If your order is shipped from outside the European Union into an EU member country, your shipment may be subject to:

• Import VAT
• Customs duties
• Customs clearance fees

These charges are assessed by the customs authority of the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient.

Some lower-value shipments may qualify for reduced or no customs duties depending on local regulations.

Orders Shipped to Non-EU Countries

Many countries outside the European Union also assess import duties, taxes, or customs fees on goods arriving from overseas.

The amount varies by country and is determined by the destination country’s customs authority.

If you’re unsure whether import fees will apply, we recommend contacting your local customs office or tax authority before placing your order.

Orders Shipped to the United States

For shipments entering the United States, the recipient (importer) is responsible for any customs duties, taxes, or fees assessed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Many shipments below the applicable duty-free threshold may enter without additional duties, but eligibility is determined by CBP and applicable U.S. import regulations.

For additional information, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are customs fees included in my order total?

No.

Unless explicitly stated during checkout, customs duties, import taxes, and clearance fees are not included in your purchase price or shipping charges.

Why doesn’t SIMO collect customs fees at checkout?

Import charges vary depending on the destination country, local regulations, product value, and other factors. Because these charges are determined by customs authorities, SIMO cannot accurately calculate them in advance for every international shipment.

What happens if I don’t pay the customs charges?

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

• Delayed
• Held by customs
• Returned to the sender
• Abandoned or destroyed, depending on local regulations

Any additional shipping, storage, or customs-related charges resulting from unpaid fees are the responsibility of the customer.

Can SIMO refund customs duties or import taxes?

No.

Customs duties, import taxes, and government-imposed fees are collected by your local customs authority—not SIMO. As a result, SIMO cannot refund or reimburse these charges.

How can I estimate import fees before ordering?

We recommend contacting your local customs office or tax authority before placing your order. They can provide information about any duties, taxes, or import requirements that may apply to your shipment.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or customs advice.

Import regulations and customs requirements vary by country and may change over time. If you have questions about customs duties or taxes, please consult your local customs authority or a qualified tax professional.