International procurement
Purchase shipped outside the European Union: taxes, customs and delivery
The domain, language or currency of a site does not always reveal the country of shipment. To anticipate the price delivered, you must distinguish seller, warehouse, origin of the product, taxes and customs clearance fees.
Quick response
Essential in a minute
Ask where the parcel is actually dispatched from and whether VAT and customs duties are collected at checkout. Since 1 July 2026, a flat customs duty of 3 euros may apply to certain distance sales of goods imported from a non-EU country with an intrinsic value of no more than 150 euros. Also allow for possible carrier fees, delivery time and the cost of an international return.
1. Distinguish site, seller and place of dispatch
An address in .fr or a price in euros does not mean that the parcel is from France or the European Union. See the offer sheet, the seller's profile and the delivery conditions. On a marketplace, the same reference can be shipped from several countries according to the chosen offer.
- Country of seller identified.
- Warehouse or country of shipment confirmed.
- Exact offer kept in the basket.
2. Check applicable taxes and duties
Since 1 July 2026, qualifying distance sales of imported goods with an intrinsic value up to €150 are subject to a flat €3 duty per declared goods item according to customs classification. This does not necessarily mean €3 per parcel or per physical object. VAT and the carrier’s handling fees remain separate. Check exceptions and who pays each amount; do not add a tax already included at checkout twice.
- VAT included or not indicated.
- Intrinsic value of the known shipment.
- Rule 2026 verified on the customs site.
3. Separate taxation and carrier charges
The carrier may charge fees for customs clearance procedures. They do not correspond to the taxes collected by the customs. Ask for a detail when the amount on delivery is not clear and include it at the total cost.
- Distinguished taxes on file fees.
- Method of payment on delivery included.
- Detailed justification requested if necessary.
4. Evaluate delivery, compliance and return
Check import restrictions, expected compliance, deadline and return address. A low price may lose its interest if international return is expensive or if the warranty imposes a non-EU shipment.
- Product authorised and adapted to the French market.
- A realistic time frame compared to the need.
- Address and cost of return known.
Understand the delivered price
Documented insight
Distinguish countries and verify a payment request
Distinguish seller country, dispatch location and product origin. A French-language shop charging euros may dispatch from outside the EU. Ask for a delivered total to your destination if the summary is unclear.
For a delivery-payment request, open tracking on the carrier’s official site instead of an unchecked message link. Compare the amount with the invoice and taxes paid. Consult current destination-country rules; an old tariff example cannot establish today’s amount.
Primary source : European Commission — Online purchases from outside the EU
Compare
Calculate the price paid
| Element | Question | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Price and currency? | To be converted |
| Delivery | Included or separated? | Add |
| VAT / duties | Payed on order or arrival? | What to check |
| Carrier | Case fee? | Add |
| Return | Address and estimated rate? | Risk to be measured |
Before you continue
Final checklist : Plan a purchase outside the EU
Check the points you actually checked. Checks stay in this page during the visit; they are not sent to the server. A checked point does not constitute a validation of the merchant.
Guide: Plan a purchase outside the EU · Révision éditoriale : 26 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful answers
Does a site in French necessarily ship from the EU?
No. Check the place of shipment of the precise offer and the identity of the seller.
Are the charges charged by the carrier customs duties?
Not always. The carrier may charge its customs service in addition to taxes or duties owing.
What changes do the rule of 3 EUR in 2026 ?
The flat duty is calculated per declared goods item, based on customs classification, for qualifying imported distance sales up to €150. Several objects in one declared line do not necessarily create several duties. Ask for the included charges and consult customs for the rules applicable to your consignment.
To check
Reference sources and documentation
This guidance draws on French and European sources. For a cross-border purchase, check the seller’s country, your country of residence and the type of contract. The language of this page does not determine the rules that apply. Consumer rights in the EU — Your Europe.
The editorial update date does not guarantee a new verification of each source. See the references for an individual situation or regulatory evolution.
- French Customs — You buy onlineVAT, duties, restrictions and delivery costs.
- French Customs — Flat rate duty 3 EUR on distance salesAction entered into force on 1 July 2026 and reporting scope.
- Your Europe — Consumer rights in the EUScope of consumer rights for purchases in the European Union.
- European Commission — Temporary duty on low-value consignmentsCalculation by customs classification; consulted on 27 October 2026.
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