OOTDBuy Customs & Tax Guide.
Before shipping, check the import requirements for your destination and what your shipping quote includes. Keep accurate records of the items, quantities and amounts paid.
Describe what is in the parcel
Use item descriptions, quantities and values that match the actual goods and purchase records. Check that the order details and final parcel contents agree.
Keep receipts and payment records in case you need to explain the declared value. Describe different products clearly instead of using one vague label for the whole parcel.
| Record | What to check |
|---|---|
| Order or invoice | Product descriptions, quantities, selected options and amounts paid. |
| Payment record | A transaction that can be connected to the purchase. Keep the currency clear. |
| Final parcel contents | Which purchased items are actually included in this shipment. |
| Shipping and tracking record | The parcel reference, shipping service, recipient details and tracking number. |
Check the rules for your destination
Check the current import requirements for the country receiving the parcel. Restrictions and tax treatment can depend on the products and shipping service.
Use information for your own destination and circumstances. A tax allowance or declaration example from another country or an older order may not apply to your parcel.
Use the customs information for the country receiving the parcel. For the UK, check the applicable VAT and duty guidance; for Canada, check federal and provincial charges that may apply. For the US or Australia, check the current requirements for the actual products and shipping method. These are checks to carry out, not a shared allowance or rate for every destination.
Check what the shipping quote includes
Ask whether the shipping service includes any import charges and whether the carrier may collect additional fees after arrival. Include possible destination charges when comparing the total cost.
Compare quotes for the same contents, destination, weight and packaging. The shipping cost guide explains the other costs to check before paying.
- Ask which import charges, if any, are included in the service price.
- Ask whether customs processing or carrier handling can be charged separately.
- Check who would contact you if documents or payment are required.
- Keep the service description and quote for the parcel you are sending.
Respond to requests for information
Keep the tracking number and any notice from the carrier or customs. Check which documents are needed, how to send them and the deadline stated in the notice.
Provide records that match the goods and the amount paid. Ask for clarification if a request is unclear. Shipping advice from a platform or carrier does not guarantee customs clearance.
If a notice asks for proof of value
Read the notice and identify the exact parcel and requested documents. Gather the relevant order or invoice and matching payment record. If several orders are combined into one parcel, make a clear list connecting each included item to its purchase record.
Check that the currency, quantity and amount are understandable. If a payment covers other goods that are not in the parcel, explain that relationship instead of presenting the whole payment as the value of this shipment. Ask the carrier or authority how they want supporting records submitted.
Ask about the options if a parcel is delayed
If a parcel is held, returned or confiscated, keep the notices and contact the relevant carrier or support team. Ask what has happened, what action is available and which charges may apply.
A refund or compensation depends on the circumstances and applicable terms. Use the order and delivery help guide to organize the parcel details and supporting records.
Common customs questions
Can I copy a declaration from another shopper?
Use your own parcel contents and purchase records. Another person’s products, destination, shipping terms and circumstances may be different.
Does paying shipping mean every import charge is paid?
Check the inclusions for the selected service. Freight, import charges and carrier handling are different parts of the cost, even when a service bundles some of them together.
Does a customs delay mean the parcel is lost?
A delay alone does not establish loss. Read the tracking status and any notice, then ask the carrier which action is needed. Keep the written response and parcel reference for follow-up.