Onebuy - 全球购物平台

Reference of Tariff Threshold

1. Understand the tariff rates and related regulations of the destination country

Prohibited items:
Different countries have different regulations on prohibited items. Common examples include:

  • Valuable items such as cash, gold and silver jewelry

  • Animals and plants and their products

  • Liquids and powders

  • Fresh food, tobacco leaves, etc.

Some countries have additional rules; for instance, South Korea prohibits meat products. Mailing such items may result in confiscation by customs.

Tariff policy:
It is necessary to understand the tariff threshold and tax rate of the destination country. Reference materials for various countries and regions are provided (see Appendix 1).

Import/export restrictions:
Restrictions may include quantity, value, size, weight, etc. For example, the number of high-value items of the same name, style, and model may be limited. Exceeding limits increases the likelihood of tariffs.

2. Choose the right mode of transport

Air transport:

  • Fast, suitable for urgent, small, or high-value items.

  • Relatively high cost.

  • Generally selected for less than 10 boxes.

  • Example: Europe, 5-12 days delivery time.

Ocean transport:

  • Low cost, suitable for large, heavy, or non-urgent items.

  • Longer transportation time.

  • Generally selected for more than 15 boxes.

  • Example: USA, 30-45 days delivery time.

3. Proper packaging and labeling

Packaging materials:

  • Use sturdy cartons, bubble wrap, vacuum packaging, corner protection, edge strips, etc.

Packaging method:

  • Fragile items: cushioning and fixed bubble wrap

  • Liquid items: sealed packaging to prevent leakage

Marking information:

  • Clearly mark recipient name, address, and contact information.

  • Optional: contents, weight, size, etc. to facilitate transport and customs clearance.

4. Declaration information

Declared value:

  • Declare the value reasonably. Too high increases tariffs; too low may trigger customs inspection.

Item description:

  • Provide detailed and truthful descriptions including name, quantity, value, purpose. Avoid vague or false declarations.

5. Risks and countermeasures of customs inspection

5.1 Risks of customs inspection

  • Increased inspection rate for sensitive or questionable items

  • Delayed delivery, especially for perishable or urgent items

  • Additional costs due to mismatched declarations, fines, confiscation

  • Legal liability for serious issues like tariff evasion or false trade

5.2 Risk reduction methods

  • Choose regular platforms to obtain invoices and evidence for customs

  • Declare truthfully: value, brand, style, price, and other item details

  • Ensure goods compliance: avoid prohibited or high-risk items

  • Maintain communication with customs to resolve issues promptly

Note: Customs inspection is probabilistic. Delays due to recipient issues (e.g., refusing to pay customs duties) result in fines and other costs borne by the recipient.


Country Tariff Threshold (Local Currency) VAT / Tax Rate Notes
European Union 150 EUR 0% – 27% Tax-free allowance for parcels ≤150 EUR. All low-value goods imported from outside EU subject to VAT since Mar 1, 2024. Rates vary by product type.
United States 800 USD 0% – 37.5% Average tariff 5.63%. Some items exempt; rates vary by type: low-tax 0%-5%, medium-tax 5%-15%, high-tax up to 37.5%.
Canada 20 CAD 5% – 20% Tariffs vary by type and value. Clothing 10%-18%, electronics 5%-15%, food 10%-20%, cosmetics 10%-15%.
Australia 1000 AUD 0% – 10% Varies by commodity classification. Clothing 5%-10%, electronics 0%-5%, food 5%-10%, cosmetics 5%-10%.
United Kingdom 135 GBP 0% – 20% VAT 20%, tariffs 0%-10%. Threshold 135 GBP; no tariff under threshold but VAT may apply.
Mexico 50 USD 0% – 40% Threshold 50 USD. Clothing 15%-25%, electronics 0%-15%, food 10%-20%, cosmetics 10%-20%.
Switzerland 300 CHF 0% – 10% Threshold 300 CHF. Clothing 5%-15%, electronics 0%-5%, food 5%-10%, cosmetics 5%-10%.
Norway 350 NOK 0% – 20% VOEC registration required. Threshold 3,000 NOK (~$270). Rates: clothing/textiles 10%-20%, electronics 5%-10%, toys 0%-15%.
Chile 30 USD 0% – 6% Threshold 30 USD. RUT number required. Free trade agreements reduce most rates to <1%.
Brazil 0 USD 20%+ Recipient pays duties (60% import tax + 17%-28% ICMS). Packages <$50: 20% import tariff + 17% ICMS per state.
Saudi Arabia 266 USD 5% – 20% Duty threshold 266 USD. VAT 15% calculated on tariff + other charges. Higher rates may apply for luxury goods.
Thailand 1500 THB 0% – 60% Threshold 1,500 THB. MFN tax rate 0%-30%. Special preferential rates apply for ASEAN and FTA countries.

在线客服