Import Taxes & Duties for International Customers

Thank you for choosing Sigma Strap for your watch accessories! To ensure a smooth delivery experience, it’s important to understand how import taxes and duties might apply to your order. This page provides everything you need to know, including how we declare the value of your shipment to help minimise potential fees.

What Are Import Taxes and Duties?

When goods are shipped internationally, local governments may impose:

1. Customs Duties: A percentage of the product’s declared value, based on its classification.
2. Import Taxes (e.g., VAT, GST): A tax applied to the declared value of the item, often including shipping costs.

Who Pays These Fees?

Customers are responsible for any import taxes and duties applied by their country. These charges are collected by customs authorities or the courier at the time of delivery. Unfortunately, we cannot offer (Delivery Duty Paid) DDP shipping at this time, but we’re exploring options to simplify the process for you in the future.

Our Declaration Policy

To reduce the impact of import fees on our customers, we usually declare your shipment’s value as either:

• The manufactured cost and or
• The insured value

These values are usually lower than the full sale price because they often exclude our margins (profit). This helps reduce the overall duties and taxes assessed by your local customs office while ensuring full compliance with international shipping regulations.

Taxes & Duties by Region (Last Updated: December 2024)

Disclaimer:
The information provided here is intended as a general guideline and is subject to change based on local regulations. While we strive to keep this page updated with the most accurate information, customers are responsible for verifying the latest import tax and duty requirements with their local authorities.

Europe (EU):

• VAT: 20-25% (varies by country).
• Customs Duty: 2-4% for goods exceeding €150.

USA:

• Exempt for Goods Under $800.
• Over $800: Duty rates 3-5%; state sales tax may apply.

Canada:

• GST/HST: 5-15% (varies by province).
• Customs Duty: 5-8%.
• Official link for estimation: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/dte-acl/est-cal-eng.html

Australia:

• GST: 10% on all imports.
• Customs Duty: 0-5% (for goods over AUD $1,000).

Middle East:

• UAE: VAT: 5%, Customs Duty: 5%.
• Saudi Arabia: VAT: 15%, Customs Duty: 5-10%.

Asia:

• South Korea: VAT: 10%, Customs Duty: 8% (varies by product classification).
• Japan: Consumption Tax: 10%, Customs Duty: Exempt for most items under JPY ¥10,000
• Singapore: GST: 8%, Customs Duty: Exempt for goods under SGD $400
• Hong Kong: No import taxes or duties
• India: GST: 18%, Customs Duty: 10-15%

How Does Declaring a Lower Value Help?

By declaring the manufactured or insured value of your order (not the full sale price), you benefit from:

• Lower Import Duties: Many countries calculate duties based on the declared value.
• Reduced Taxes: VAT or GST is often calculated on the declared value plus shipping.

Example:

• Full Sale Price: £150
• Declared Value: £90 (Cost)
• Import fees are then calculated on the £90 instead of £150, saving you money.

Need Help?

If you have questions about your country’s import fees or our declaration process, reach out to us at sigmastrap@gmail.com.

Thank you for choosing Sigma Strap.