“Do you pay import duties and VAT on clothing ordered from outside your country?”

Import duties and VAT on clothing orders outside the US

Updated Oct 18, 2026 · By the PeachSunday team

Short answer

When you order from outside the US, your country may charge import VAT or duties when the package arrives, and your government sets them, not the store. In the EU, a temporary 3 euro customs duty applies per item type on parcels worth up to 150 euro from July 1, 2026. In the UK, the rules change at 135 pounds. Free shipping does not cover import charges.

Who sets the charges

Import VAT and duties are set by the country receiving the parcel. PeachSunday's shipping policy says your country may charge import VAT or duties when the package arrives, and that your government sets those, not the store. EU orders can expect VAT plus a flat 3 euro duty.

This page covers the EU and the UK. For Canada, Mexico and Australia, check your own government's customs site.

The EU: a 3 euro duty per item type

The European Commission describes a temporary 3 euro customs duty on low-value parcels imported from outside the EU, from July 1, 2026. It applies to parcels with goods worth up to 150 euro, per item based on tariff classification, not quantity. Five t-shirts incur one 3 euro duty, and three t-shirts plus a watch incur two.

The Commission says the seller or importer is responsible for declaring and paying the duty. How a store passes it on can vary, so read the checkout page for your country. VAT is separate.

The UK: the line is 135 pounds

GOV.UK says the rules depend on the value of the goods. For goods worth 135 pounds or less that you bought yourself, the seller has already included VAT, and non-excise goods in this range carry no customs duty. For goods worth more than 135 pounds, you pay VAT to the delivery company before delivery or at collection, and customs duty applies as well, based on the price paid plus postage, packaging and insurance.

If a charge applies, Royal Mail, Parcelforce or the courier sends a bill. GOV.UK says parcels are usually held for about three weeks, and unpaid parcels go back to the sender.

At checkout and on arrival

PeachSunday shows the styles that can ship to your country when you shop from outside the US. Whether VAT or duty is added at checkout or collected when the parcel arrives depends on your country's rules and the carrier, so read the checkout page and any message from the courier.

Free shipping does not remove import charges

Free international shipping is a shipping fee waiver. Import VAT and duties are separate charges set by your government, as the shipping policy says. Compare the total at checkout with any notice from your courier before you plan a budget.

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FAQ

Do I pay customs on clothing from a US store?

You may. PeachSunday's shipping policy says your country may charge import VAT or duties when the package arrives. Your government sets them.

What is the EU 3 euro duty?

A temporary customs duty of 3 euro per item type on parcels worth up to 150 euro, from July 1, 2026, according to the European Commission.

Does the EU duty apply per piece of clothing?

It applies per item based on tariff classification, not quantity. Five t-shirts incur one duty. Three t-shirts plus a watch incur two.

Who pays the EU duty to the authorities?

The Commission says the seller or importer declares and pays it. Check how your checkout shows it.

What are the UK rules at 135 pounds?

GOV.UK says goods worth 135 pounds or less that you bought yourself already include VAT from the seller and carry no customs duty. Above 135 pounds you pay VAT, and duty applies.

Does free shipping include duties?

No. Free shipping waives the shipping fee. Import VAT and duties are set by your government.

Why was my parcel held?

In the UK, GOV.UK says parcels with a charge are usually held for about three weeks until the bill is paid, then go back to the sender.