A Guide To Duties, Taxes & Fees.Updated 5 hours ago

We know duties and taxes can feel a little confusing and are sometimes daunting when shopping internationally. To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand what may apply when your By Charlotte treasures arrive at your door. 

Think of duties and taxes as two separate layers of import costs. There is a Duty de minimis, which is the order value below which you don’t have to pay customs duties (like tariffs, border fees). E.g. France’s duty de minimis is €150. If your order is €100, you won’t pay customs duty.

Alternatively, you have a Tax de minimis, which is the order value below which you don’t have to pay import taxes (like VAT or GST). E.g. Germany’s tax de minimis is €0. This means VAT applies to every order, even a €5 pair of studs. 

How does this impact you?

If your order is shipping internationally, your local customs office may apply duties and/or taxes when your treasures arrive. This means the final amount you pay for your jewels may be a little higher than the price you see at checkout. Not every order will attract these fees, but it’s good to be aware just in case.

Who is responsible for these fees?

Any duties or taxes are set by your local government and are the responsibility of the customer. By Charlotte doesn’t collect or manage these fees, and we can’t cover them on your behalf, as they’re payable directly to your customs office or shipping provider.

Is there a way we can calculate duties before making our order?

Yes, in most cases. Each country has its own rules and thresholds (known as de minimis). You can check your country’s customs website or use an online duty calculator to estimate costs before placing your order. We’ve also created a handy guide on this page to help you understand what your de minimis free threshold is.

Why aren’t duties and taxes included in my checkout total?

These fees are determined by your local government, not us. Because every country has its own rules, at this time, we can’t include them in your order total. However, we’ll always ship your jewels safely and provide the correct paperwork customs need.

Will I always be charged duties or taxes?

Not always. It depends on your country’s thresholds (the value at which fees kick in). Some orders may slip through without additional charges, while others may attract VAT or duty.

When are these fees collected?

Duties and taxes are usually requested by your local customs office or shipping provider once your order reaches your country. Sometimes they’ll contact you before delivery to arrange payment, other times they may collect it upon delivery.

Do duties and taxes apply to returns?

Yes, in some cases, but not most. Duties and taxes are set by your local customs authority and are separate from By Charlotte. This means they are not refundable through us, even if you return your jewels. You may be able to claim them back directly from your local customs office.

How do I pay my duties and taxes?

If duties or taxes apply to your order, DHL Express will handle everything on your behalf when your parcel enters your country. Once your shipment has cleared customs, DHL will contact you directly (usually by email or SMS) with a secure link to pay online before your order is delivered.

Payment is quick and simple, and you can settle these fees using a debit/credit card or other payment methods accepted by DHL in your country. DHL will never ask you to pay fees in cash at your door. If duties and taxes aren’t paid, DHL cannot deliver your parcel, and it may be returned to us, so we always recommend completing payment promptly to avoid delays.

What happens if I cannot pay these fees?

If duties or taxes aren’t paid, your order may be returned to us by your local customs office. Once received, we can process this as a return, but shipping fees and any associated customs charges are unfortunately non-refundable. To avoid delays or disappointment, we always recommend checking your local thresholds before purchasing.

Why are duties charged below the US de minimis?

Most U.S. orders under USD $800 will not incur duties; however, some states may collect sales tax, and carriers may charge brokerage or clearance fees. These are outside our control and may vary depending on your location and chosen shipping method.

A note on surprises.

Customs duties and taxes are set by your local government; they’re not something we can control. We recommend checking with your local customs office for the most up-to-date details if you’re unsure. Our goal is to make your shopping experience as seamless as possible, so we’re always here to help guide you through it.

A guide to ordering.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect by region (thresholds shown are approximate and in local currency). Please use this as a guide only and refer to your local customs office as a primary source.