Understanding Import duties & VAT

The real costs of
Importing goods

Importing goods? Know what to expect.

Importing goods can open new doors for your business, but it also comes with additional costs. Import duties and VAT can quickly add up, depending on the type, value, and origin of your goods. Understanding these charges in advance helps you plan your budget, avoid unexpected expenses, and make informed decisions. With the right preparation, importing becomes not just a process, but a strategic part of running your business efficiently and confidently.

When goods cross borders, costs follow

The facts behind
Import Duties and VAT

Import duties are charged based on what you’re shipping and where it’s from. Using the Harmonized System (HS) Code and the country of origin, customs determine the duty rate, which can be anywhere between 0% and 25%, depending on the product.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services. It is calculated over the total value of your shipment, which includes product cost, shipping, insurance and duties. Within the EU, VAT rates vary by country, generally between 17% and 25%.

Making customs and import costs predictable

How to keep your import costs under control

Every product, route, and destination brings its own set of rules, making customs compliance a complex landscape. That’s where we come in. With decades of hands-on experience in global trade, customs clearance, and supply chain management,
BTS Logistics keeps your shipments compliant, cost-efficient, and always on time.

What our customs specialists can help you with:

  • Correctly classify your goods with the right HS codes for accurate declarations
  • Calculate import duties and VAT before your shipment leaves
  • Applying standard customs procedures as part of the clearance process, with timing depending on the specifics of each shipment
  • Staying up to date with the latest trade agreements and customs laws

The advantage for your imports with BTS Logistics

When you ship with BTS Logistics, you are not just getting compliance, you are gaining clarity and control.
Plus, with MyBTS, you can track your shipment 24/7, giving you full visibility and peace of mind from start to finish.

Contact our team today and discover how we can help you save time, avoid delays and cut unnecessary costs when importing goods.
Let us make your next shipment smooth, predictable, and stress-free.

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