Ordering from the UK & Non-EU Countries – VAT, Duties, and FedEx Fees Explained

UK and Other Non-European Union Countries

We’ve noticed that the post-Brexit import rules still surprise many UK customers. This short guide explains the extra charges—and it also highlights how we differ from Amazon, which collects all fees upfront, whereas we do not.

Why VAT disappears at checkout

List prices may initially include EU VAT. The moment you enter a non-EU shipping address, the VAT line drops to zero. We never collect or settle VAT for shipments outside the EU. If VAT ever sneaks onto your order, we refund it the same business day.

What you pay us

  • Net product price – no EU VAT
  • FedEx shipping – discounted, often below regular courier rates

What you pay when the parcel reaches your country

  1. Local VAT – e.g. 20 % in the UK
  2. Customs duty – typically 2–3 %, varies by HS code, country and item mix; we try to declare one HS code to keep this low
  3. FedEx Disbursement Fee (UK example)
    • GBP 6.60 – 12.75, or
    • 2.5 % of total VAT + duty (whichever is higher)

When FedEx asks you to pay

  • Before delivery – secure payment link while the parcel clears customs
  • At delivery – pay the courier (card or cash)
  • After delivery – FedEx invoice if they release the goods first

If VAT accidentally appears on your order

Send us a quick message and we’ll delete that VAT line the same day. (We can see it ourselves, but you might spot it before we do.)

More details

Full FedEx ancillary clearance fees: FedEx Ancillary Clearance Service.