When shopping internationally on Drip, the responsibility for paying customs duties and import taxes lies with the buyer. These charges are not included in the product price or shipping fees at checkout. Instead, they are assessed by the customs authority in the destination country and must be paid before the package is delivered to you.
Buyer’s Responsibility
As the importer of record, you are responsible for paying any duties, taxes, or fees required to bring the item into your country. This includes:
Import Duties: Taxes imposed on the goods based on their value, category, and origin.
Local Taxes: Such as Value-Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), which apply in many countries.
Customs Processing Fees: Administrative costs charged by customs authorities or shipping carriers.
Why Buyers Are Responsible
Customs duties and taxes are imposed by governments to regulate international trade, generate revenue, and protect local industries. Since these charges are specific to the destination country and vary widely, it is not feasible for sellers or platforms like Drip to include them in the checkout process. Instead, they are calculated by customs when the shipment arrives in your country.
For example: In the United States, the de minimis value allows goods under $800 to enter duty-free. In the European Union, VAT is applied to most imported goods, even on low-value items.
How to Pay Customs Duties and Taxes
When your shipment reaches customs, you will typically be notified by the shipping carrier or postal service. Payment instructions will depend on the specific carrier or local process. Options may include:
Paying online via the carrier’s portal.
Visiting a customs office to settle the fees.
Paying at the time of delivery if the carrier offers Cash on Delivery (COD) for duties and taxes.