Question 1

What is EU customs clearance for ecommerce?

Accepted Answer

EU customs clearance is the process of declaring imported goods to the customs authority of the first EU country they enter, classifying them under an HS code, paying duty and import VAT, and getting them released into free circulation. Once cleared, the goods move across all 27 member states without further customs.

Question 2

Do I need an EORI number to import into the EU?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any business importing goods into the EU needs an EORI number. You register once in a single member state and use it for imports anywhere in the bloc.

Question 3

How are import duties in Europe calculated?

Accepted Answer

Duty is a percentage of the customs value, normally the transaction price plus freight and insurance to the EU border, with the rate set by the product's HS code and country of origin. Import VAT is then charged on the duty-inclusive value at the entry country's rate.

Question 4

What is IOSS and when should ecommerce sellers use it?

Accepted Answer

IOSS applies to goods imported from outside the EU in consignments valued at EUR 150 or less. You collect VAT at checkout and report it in one monthly return, so parcels clear quickly and customers are never billed a surprise VAT and handling charge.

Question 5

Should I ship DDP or DAP for ecommerce?

Accepted Answer

For B2C, DDP is almost always right: you pay duty and import VAT so the customer receives the parcel with no extra bill. DAP shifts those charges to the recipient, which causes refused deliveries and returns.

Question 6

How long does customs clearance take in the EU?

Accepted Answer

With complete documentation, most declarations clear within a few hours to one working day. Document queries add a day or two; physical inspections can add three to five days.

Question 7

Why clear goods through Estonia?

Accepted Answer

Estonia is a low-cost EU entry point with fully digital customs procedures and short queues compared to major western ports. Goods cleared there enter free circulation and reach most EU capitals in 2-5 days by road.