European Delivery – Import Duties & Taxes

Eco Filtration ships internationally on a DAP (Delivered At Place) basis.

This means your order is delivered to your country, but any import VAT, customs duty and local customs/clearance charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

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How Import Tax Works

When you order from Eco Filtration, your goods are shipped from the United Kingdom. As the UK is outside the EU, goods may be subject to import VAT, customs duty and customs clearance charges when they arrive in your country.

Eco Filtration ships European orders using DAP (Delivered At Place).

What does DAP mean?

DAP means that Eco Filtration arranges delivery of your order to your country, but import taxes and duties are not included in the price you pay to Eco Filtration.

Under DAP:

Eco Filtration pays:

• The cost of your products
• The agreed delivery/shipping cost
• UK export processing
• The UK export customs declaration

 

The recipient pays:

• Import VAT
• Customs duty, where applicable
• Import customs clearance or handling charges
• Any other taxes or charges imposed by the destination country

 

The courier, such as DHL, may contact you to collect these charges before your order can be delivered.

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What is Import VAT?

Import VAT is the VAT charged by your country’s tax authority when goods enter the country from outside the EU.

The rate varies between countries.

For example:

Country	Standard VAT
Germany	19%
France	20%
Netherlands	21%
Spain	21%
Italy	22%
Ireland	23%
Denmark	25%
Sweden	25%
Hungary	27%

The VAT is calculated by the relevant customs/tax authority and may take into account the value of the goods, shipping costs and other applicable charges under local rules.

Import VAT is separate from UK VAT.

As the goods are being exported from the UK, qualifying exports can generally be zero-rated for UK VAT. This does not mean that the goods are exempt from VAT — the destination country may charge its own import VAT.

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What is Customs Duty?

Customs duty is a charge that may be applied when goods are imported into a country.

Customs duty is separate from import VAT.

The amount of customs duty depends on several factors, including:

• The product being imported
• The product’s HS/commodity code
• The country where the product was manufactured
• The value of the goods
• The destination country
• Any applicable trade agreement

 

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UK-origin Products

Many Eco Filtration products are manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The UK has trade agreements with the EU and a number of non-EU European countries. Where a product meets the relevant rules of origin, preferential customs treatment may be available.

This can mean that customs duty is reduced to 0% for qualifying products.

However:

0% customs duty does not mean 0% import tax.

Import VAT can still be charged even where no customs duty is payable.

 

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What is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance is the process of getting your shipment through customs.

It is not the same as customs duty.

For example, a shipment could have:

• Customs duty: €0
• Import VAT: €100
• Customs clearance/handling charge: €X

The shipment still needs to go through customs even though no customs duty is payable.

The courier or customs agent may charge a customs clearance or handling fee for processing the import.

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What will I have to pay?

Because Eco Filtration ships using DAP, you may be required to pay charges when your order enters your country.

These may include:

Import VAT + Customs Duty + Customs Clearance/Handling Charges

The exact amount will depend on your country and the products you have ordered.

For example, a UK-origin product being shipped to Germany may potentially have:

19% German import VAT
0% customs duty if the product qualifies for preferential UK origin
Any applicable courier/customs handling charge

 

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Why are these charges not included in my order?

Eco Filtration sells and ships products from the United Kingdom.

Under DAP, the recipient is responsible for importing the goods into their country. This means the recipient is responsible for any taxes and duties imposed by the destination country’s customs and tax authorities.

This allows Eco Filtration to ship to customers across Europe without adding different countries’ import taxes and duties to our product prices.

 

Who collects the charges?

Import charges may be collected by:

• The courier delivering your order
• A customs agent acting on behalf of the courier
• The relevant customs or tax authority

For DHL shipments, DHL may contact you if payment is required before delivery.

Please ensure that you provide accurate contact details when placing your order.

 

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Important Information

The information provided on this website is intended as a general guide only.

The final amount of import VAT, customs duty and clearance charges is determined by the relevant customs and tax authorities and may vary depending on:

• Product type
• HS/commodity code
• Country of origin
• Order value
• Shipping cost
• Destination country
• Applicable trade agreements
• Current customs and tax regulations

Eco Filtration cannot guarantee the exact amount of import charges that may be payable on an individual order.

For an indication of the standard VAT rate and customs position for your country, please see our EU Countries and Non-EU European Countries tables.

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DHL European Delivery Times

Eco Filtration uses DHL Express for European deliveries, providing a fully tracked delivery service to most European destinations.

For most European destinations, DHL Express delivery is approximately 1–2 working days from collection.

Some destinations may have longer transit times depending on the country, delivery postcode and DHL service availability.

 

Typical European Delivery Times

Typical European Delivery Times
Destination	Approximate DHL Express Transit Time
Austria	1 working day
Belgium	1 working day
Bulgaria	1 working day
Croatia	1 working day
Cyprus	2 working days
Czech Republic	1 working day
Denmark	1 working day
Estonia	1 working day
Finland	1 working day
France	1 working day
Germany	1 working day
Greece	1 working day
Hungary	1 working day
Ireland	1 working day
Italy	1 working day
Latvia	1 working day
Lithuania	1 working day
Luxembourg	1 working day
Malta	1 working day
Netherlands	1 working day
Poland	1 working day
Portugal	1 working day
Romania	1 working day
Slovakia	1 working day
Slovenia	1 working day
Spain	1 working day
Sweden	1 working day
Iceland	1 working day
Liechtenstein	1 working day
Norway	1 working day
Serbia	1 working day
Switzerland	1 working day
Kosovo	2 working days
North Macedonia	2 working days
Moldova	2 working days
Montenegro	2 working days

 

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How Customs Affects Delivery Times

The delivery times shown above are DHL Express estimated transit times and do not include the time required for customs clearance.

As Eco Filtration ships orders from the United Kingdom, shipments entering the EU or other European countries may need to pass through import customs.

Customs clearance can add additional time to the delivery of your order.

 

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?

For shipments where the customs documentation is complete and accurate and no additional checks are required, customs clearance is often completed on the day of arrival or within 1 working day.

However, customs clearance times can vary between countries and individual shipments. In some circumstances, customs clearance can take several additional working days if further information, payment of duties and taxes, documentation or physical inspection is required.

As a general guide:

DHL Express transit: 1–2 working days for most European destinations

Typical customs clearance: Same day to 1 working day where everything is in order

If additional checks are required: Several additional working days may be required

Overall delivery: DHL transit time + customs clearance + any time required for payment of applicable import charges.

 

What Can Cause Customs Delays?

Customs clearance may take longer if:

• Import VAT or customs duty has not been paid
• DHL requires additional information from the recipient
• The commercial invoice is incomplete or inaccurate
• The HS/commodity code requires clarification
• The declared value requires verification
• Customs authorities select the shipment for inspection
• The goods require additional permits or documentation
• The recipient does not respond promptly to DHL
• The destination country’s customs authority requires additional checks

 

Import Charges Can Delay Delivery

Where import VAT, customs duty or customs clearance charges are due, DHL or its customs agent may contact the recipient to arrange payment.

Delivery may be delayed until any required import charges have been paid and customs clearance has been completed.

Customers should ensure that the contact details provided when placing an order are accurate and that they respond promptly to any communication from DHL.

Please see our Import Duties & Taxes section for more information about charges under DAP.

 

Delivery Times Are Estimates

The delivery times shown above are provided as a guide only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Actual delivery times may be affected by:

• Customs clearance
• Import charges
• Incorrect or incomplete address information
• Public holidays
• Weather conditions
• Service disruptions
• Circumstances outside DHL’s control

 

Eco Filtration cannot guarantee a specific delivery date based on the estimated transit times shown above.

 

DHL Tracking

All DHL Express shipments are fully tracked.

Once your order has been dispatched, Eco Filtration will provide the relevant DHL tracking information so you can monitor the progress of your shipment.

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Important Information

The delivery times shown above are approximate DHL Express transit times from collection. They are provided for guidance only and do not include customs clearance time.

While many shipments clear customs on the day of arrival or within 1 working day, customs processing can take several additional working days in some circumstances.

Any delays caused by customs authorities, unpaid import charges, additional customs checks, incomplete documentation or circumstances outside of Eco Filtration’s control are not the responsibility of Eco Filtration.

For further information about import VAT, customs duty and customs clearance charges, please see our European Delivery – Import Duties & Taxes information.

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Countries Import VAT and Duty Charges

 

The tables below provide an indication of the standard VAT rate and the potential customs position for goods shipped from the UK.

*Special territories/customs arrangements can mean the effective tax treatment differs from the standard rate shown

 

EU Countries

Country	Standard Import VAT	Customs Duty Position
Austria	20%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Belgium	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Bulgaria	20%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Croatia	25%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Cyprus	19%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Czech Republic	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Denmark	25%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Estonia	24%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Finland	25.50%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
France	20%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Germany	19%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Greece	24%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Hungary	27%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Ireland	23%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Italy	22%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Latvia	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Lithuania	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Luxembourg	17%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Malta	18%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Netherlands	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Poland	23%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Portugal	23%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Romania	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Slovakia	23%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Slovenia	22%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Spain	21%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods
Sweden	25%	Potentially 0% for qualifying UK-origin goods

 

Non-EU European Countries 

Country	Standard Import VAT	Customs Duty / UK Trade Agreement
Albania	20%	Preferential duty may apply
Andorra	4.50%	Special customs arrangements
Armenia	20%	No UK FTA – normal duty may apply
Azerbaijan	18%	No UK FTA – normal duty may apply
Belarus	20%	No UK FTA – normal duty may apply
Bosnia & Herzegovina	17%	No dedicated UK FTA – normal duty may apply
Georgia	18%	Preferential duty may apply
Iceland	24%	Preferential duty may apply
Kosovo	18%	Preferential duty may apply
Liechtenstein	8.10%	Preferential duty may apply via Switzerland
Moldova	20%	Preferential duty may apply
Monaco	20%	Special arrangement with France/EU
Montenegro	21%	No dedicated UK FTA – normal duty may apply
North Macedonia	18%	Preferential duty may apply
Norway	25%	Preferential duty may apply
San Marino	17%	Special customs arrangements
Serbia	20%	Preferential duty may apply
Switzerland	8.10%	Preferential duty may apply
Türkiye	20%	Preferential duty may apply
Ukraine	20%	Preferential duty may apply

 

Important

The VAT rates and customs information shown above are provided for guidance only. Actual import charges depend on the product, HS/commodity code, country of origin, order value, destination country and applicable customs regulations or trade agreements.

Under DAP, any applicable import VAT, customs duty and customs clearance or handling charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

When ordering from Eco Filtration, please be aware that all European orders are shipped from the United Kingdom and are sent on a DAP (Delivered At Place) basis.

This means that import taxes and customs charges are not included in the price paid to Eco Filtration.

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Import Charges

Depending on your destination country and the products ordered, you may be required to pay:

• Import VAT

• Customs duty

• Customs clearance or handling charges

• Other local import charges or taxes

 

These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and may be collected by the courier or customs authority before delivery.

 

Customs Duty

The amount of customs duty, if applicable, depends on the product, its HS/commodity code, country of origin, value and destination country.

Many Eco Filtration products are manufactured in the UK and may qualify for preferential customs treatment under applicable UK trade agreements. Where the relevant rules of origin are met, customs duty may be reduced to 0%.

However, 0% customs duty does not mean that import VAT or customs clearance charges will not apply.

 

Import VAT

The VAT rates shown on our European country tables are the standard VAT rates and are provided as a guide only.

The final amount of import VAT is calculated by the relevant customs or tax authority and may depend on the value of the goods, shipping costs and local regulations.

 

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is separate from customs duty.

Even where no customs duty is payable, your order will still need to pass through the destination country’s customs process. The courier or customs agent may charge a separate customs clearance or handling fee.

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Customer Responsibility

By placing an international order with Eco Filtration, you acknowledge that:

• Import VAT and customs duties are not included in the price paid to Eco Filtration.

• You are responsible for paying any import charges applicable to your order.
• Failure to pay required import charges may result in your shipment being delayed or returned.
• Any costs resulting from refusal to pay applicable import charges may be the responsibility of the recipient.

 

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Refused Deliveries & Unpaid Import Charges

If an international shipment is refused or rejected by the recipient because they do not wish to pay the applicable import VAT, customs duty or customs clearance charges, the order will not be eligible for compensation or a refund of the original delivery costs.

If the shipment is returned to Eco Filtration as a result of the recipient refusing delivery or failing to pay the required import charges, the customer will also be responsible for any costs incurred to return the goods to our warehouse.

This may include:

• Return shipping costs
• Customs charges
• Import or export duties
• Taxes
• Courier handling or administration fees
• Any other costs incurred by Eco Filtration in recovering the shipment

Any return costs incurred by Eco Filtration may be deducted from any refund that may otherwise be due.

Refusing delivery does not constitute cancellation of an order or acceptance of a return. Customers should contact Eco Filtration before refusing a shipment if they have any concerns regarding import charges.

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Customs Delays

International shipments may be delayed while passing through customs.

Eco Filtration cannot be held responsible for delays caused by customs authorities, unpaid import charges, incomplete customs information or additional checks carried out by the destination country.

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Information Provided as a Guide

All VAT rates, customs information and examples provided on our website are intended for general guidance only.

Customs regulations and tax rates can change, and the actual charges applicable to an order may differ from the information shown on our website.

The recipient is responsible for checking the import requirements and potential charges applicable in their country before placing an order.