Customs duties & import taxes, explained
When you send a parcel abroad from the UAE, the destination country may charge import VAT and, sometimes, customs duty. Here's exactly who pays, how it's worked out, and how Aliflow keeps it simple — in plain English, no jargon.
Who pays the customs duties and taxes?
The simplest answer: the person receiving the parcel pays, and they pay the destination country — not you, and not Aliflow. When your parcel lands, that country's customs authority looks at the declared value on the invoice and charges any import VAT (or GST) and duty before releasing it for delivery.
Your Aliflow price is a transport price. It covers the DHL Express carriage, the fuel surcharge and our customs handling — and it never includes the destination country's duties or taxes, because those aren't ours to charge. That's the same as if you booked DHL directly. We tell you this up front so there are no surprises at the door.
Duty vs VAT/GST — what's the difference?
People say "customs charges" as if it's one thing, but it's usually two:
- Import VAT / GST — a percentage of the goods' value that most countries charge on almost all imports. This is the one a recipient most often sees (for example, 20% in the UK, 19% in Germany, 15% in Saudi Arabia).
- Customs duty — a separate charge that applies to certain categories of goods, and usually only above a value threshold. Plenty of everyday parcels attract VAT but no duty; higher-value items or specific product types can attract both.
How is it calculated?
As a rule of thumb, import VAT/GST is worked out on the declared value of your goods (and, in some countries, the shipping cost too), at that country's standard rate. Any duty is calculated on the goods' value using the item's tariff classification.
The single most important thing here is the declared value on your customs invoice — every charge is based on it, so it must be honest and accurate. Under-declaring to dodge tax is illegal and can get a parcel held or returned. When you book with Aliflow you enter the contents and value once, and we turn it into a proper commercial invoice.
A quick estimate: multiply your goods' value by the destination's VAT/GST rate below. A €300 gift to Germany ≈ €57 import VAT (19%). It's a guide, not a final figure — duty and thresholds vary by item.
Import VAT / GST by destination
Standard import VAT/GST rates for popular destinations, as a planning guide. Rates are set by each country and can change; low-value exemptions vary and have been shrinking, so assume tax may apply from the first dirham of value. Always treat these as indicative.
| Destination | Import VAT / GST |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% |
| Germany | 19% |
| France | 20% |
| Italy | 22% |
| Spain | 21% |
| Netherlands | 21% |
| Ireland | 23% |
| Sweden | 25% |
| Switzerland | 8.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | 15% |
| India | 18% (IGST) |
| Pakistan | 18% |
| China | 13% |
| Japan | 10% |
| Singapore | 9% (GST) |
| Australia | 10% (GST) |
| New Zealand | 15% (GST) |
| Canada | 5% GST + provincial tax |
| Philippines | 12% |
| Egypt | 14% |
| United States | No federal VAT — duty may apply on higher-value goods; some states add sales/use tax |
Price your parcel & see an import-VAT estimate →
How Aliflow keeps customs simple
- We prepare the invoice. You enter the contents, value and reason for export once at checkout; we produce the commercial/customs invoice your parcel needs to clear.
- We never collect duties. Any import VAT or duty is collected by the destination country directly from the recipient — Aliflow doesn't add it, take it, or profit from it.
- We flag the rules first. Some goods are restricted or prohibited. Check your item before you book so it doesn't get stopped at customs.
Not sure your item is allowed? Use our "Can I ship it?" checker — it covers perfume, batteries, food, electronics, watches and more, with the destination duty note built in.
Customs & duties FAQ
Who pays customs duties and taxes when shipping from the UAE?
The recipient pays, and they pay the destination country on arrival — not the sender, and not Aliflow. Your Aliflow price covers transport, fuel and customs handling only; it never includes the destination's duties or taxes.
What's the difference between customs duty and import VAT?
Import VAT/GST is a percentage of the goods' value charged by most countries on almost all imports. Customs duty is a separate charge on certain goods, usually above a value threshold. Many parcels attract VAT/GST but no duty; higher-value or specific goods can attract both.
How are the charges calculated?
Import VAT/GST is usually calculated on the declared value of your goods (and sometimes shipping) at the country's standard rate. Any duty is based on the goods' value and tariff classification. The declared value on your customs invoice is what everything is based on — so it must be accurate.
Does Aliflow collect or pay the duties?
No. We prepare the customs invoice so your parcel clears smoothly, but the destination country collects any duties and taxes directly from the recipient. Aliflow does not collect them and is not liable for them.
Can I estimate the import tax before I ship?
Yes — apply the destination's VAT/GST rate (see the table above) to your goods' declared value for a rough figure. Our checkout also shows an indicative import-VAT estimate for many destinations. Duty and exact thresholds vary, so treat any number as a guide.
Price your parcel in seconds
Enter a destination, weight and size for an instant all-in DHL Express price in AED — customs paperwork handled, no account needed.