It depends on where you live and what you’re buying. Most countries have a minimum threshold (de minimis value) below which you don’t pay import duties or tariffs. Above that threshold, you’ll pay:
Common charges:
- Import duties/tariffs (taxes on imported goods)
- VAT/Sales tax (consumption tax)
- Customs clearance fees (handling charges)
Examples:
- United States: Generally duty-free under $800, but some items have lower thresholds
- United Kingdom: VAT charged on all orders since Brexit, duties over £135
- European Union: Duties and VAT apply over €150
- Canada: Duties apply over CAD $20 (very low threshold)
- Australia: Duties apply over AUD $1,000
The charges come at delivery, not at checkout. You pay the delivery service or customs before receiving your package. AliExpress doesn’t always collect these upfront.
Understanding the Different Charges
Let’s clarify terminology – these are different things:
1. Import Duties / Tariffs
What they are: Taxes imposed by your government on goods imported from other countries.
Purpose:
- Generate government revenue
- Protect domestic industries
- Regulate trade
How much: Varies by:
- Product category (electronics, clothing, etc.)
- Country of origin (China in AliExpress’s case)
- Your country’s tariff schedule
Typical rates: 0% to 25%+ depending on product type
Example: $100 item with 10% tariff = $10 duty owed
2. VAT / Sales Tax / GST
What it is: Consumption tax on goods and services.
Different names:
- VAT (Value Added Tax) – Europe, UK, many other countries
- GST (Goods and Services Tax) – Canada, Australia, India, etc.
- Sales Tax – United States (collected by states, not on imports usually)
How much:
- UK: 20% VAT
- EU: 19-27% VAT (varies by country)
- Canada: 5% GST (plus provincial taxes)
- Australia: 10% GST
Applied to: Item cost + shipping + any duties
Example: $100 item + $10 shipping + $10 duty = $120 taxable value 20% VAT = $24
3. Customs Clearance / Handling Fees
What they are: Fees charged by courier/postal service for processing customs paperwork.
Who charges them:
- Your country’s postal service
- Private couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Customs brokers
How much:
- Typically $5 to $30 flat fee
- Sometimes percentage of value
- Varies by courier
Important: These fees apply even if duties/VAT are zero. Just the service of processing the package costs money.
Country-by-Country Guide
United States
De minimis threshold: $800
What this means: Items valued under $800 are generally duty-free.
Important exceptions:
Some products always have duties regardless of value:
- Textiles and apparel (subject to duties at any value)
- Certain footwear
- Some electronics with specific tariffs
Additional tariffs on Chinese goods: Some products from China have special Section 301 tariffs (Trump/Biden-era trade war tariffs), which can add 7.5% to 25% even on items under $800.
State sales tax: Not collected on international imports at customs. Your state may technically require you to report and pay “use tax” but this is rarely enforced for personal purchases.
Typical experience: Most AliExpress orders under $100-200 arrive with no charges. Larger orders may trigger duties, especially on clothing and electronics.
How you pay:
- USPS: Postage-due at delivery
- Private courier: Invoice sent separately after delivery
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit changes (2021 onwards):
VAT: Charged on ALL orders, no minimum threshold
Import duties: Apply on orders over £135
How it works:
Orders under £135:
- 20% VAT charged by seller at checkout (AliExpress collects and remits)
- No additional charges at delivery
Orders over £135:
- VAT NOT charged at checkout
- Import duties apply (rates vary by product type: 0-12% typical)
- 20% VAT charged on (item value + shipping + duties)
- Handling fee (£8-12 typical from Royal Mail)
- All charged at delivery
Example: £200 order:
- Import duty (assume 5%): £10
- VAT on £210 (item + duty): £42
- Handling fee: £12
- Total extra: £64 at delivery
Tip: Keep orders under £135 when possible to avoid duties and handling fees.
European Union
Since July 2021:
Orders up to €150:
- VAT charged at checkout by AliExpress
- No duties
- No additional charges at delivery
Orders over €150:
- Import duties apply (rates vary by country and product: 0-17% typical)
- VAT charged at delivery (19-27% depending on EU country)
- Customs handling fee (varies by country and courier)
VAT rates by country:
- Germany: 19%
- France: 20%
- Spain: 21%
- Italy: 22%
- Netherlands: 21%
- Poland: 23%
- Hungary: 27%
Example (Germany): €200 order:
- Import duty (assume 4%): €8
- VAT on €208 (19%): €39.52
- Handling fee: €6-15
- Total extra: €53-62 at delivery
Important: Some EU countries are stricter about enforcement. Germany and Netherlands are known for checking almost everything.
Canada
De minimis threshold: CAD $20 (extremely low)
What this means: Almost everything from AliExpress will have duties/taxes.
What you pay:
Orders CAD $20-150:
- Provincial sales tax + GST (combined 5-15% depending on province)
- Small handling fee
Orders over CAD $150:
- Import duties (0-18% depending on product)
- GST (5%)
- Provincial sales tax (0-10% depending on province)
- Customs brokerage fee ($10-30+)
Canadian challenge: Brokerage fees can be expensive, sometimes more than the actual taxes.
Example: CAD $100 order to Ontario:
- Duty (assume 8%): $8
- GST (5% on $108): $5.40
- Provincial tax (13% on $108): $14.04
- Brokerage fee: $10-15
- Total extra: $37-42 (adding 37-42% to purchase cost)
Tip: CBSA’s rules are strict. Expect charges on most orders over $20.
Australia
De minimis threshold: AUD $1,000
What this means: Most AliExpress orders arrive duty-free.
Orders under AUD $1,000:
- No duties
- 10% GST charged by seller at checkout (collected via AliExpress)
Orders over AUD $1,000:
- Import duties apply (rates vary by product: 0-10% typical)
- 10% GST on item value + shipping + duties
- Customs processing fee
Typical experience: Most personal purchases from AliExpress stay well under $1,000, so only GST applies (already collected at checkout). Very rare to face surprise charges at delivery.
Brazil
Complex system with high charges:
De minimis threshold: USD $50 (recently changed from $0)
What you pay:
Orders over $50:
- Import tax: 60% of item value
- State ICMS tax: 17-20% (varies by state)
- Customs processing fee
- Total can be 80-100% of item value
Recent changes: Brazil implemented the Remessa Conforme program where some platforms collect taxes upfront. Check if your AliExpress order includes tax at checkout.
Typical experience: Customs in Brazil is notoriously strict and slow. Packages can be held for weeks. Charges are very high.
Recommendation: Keep orders under $50 if possible. Be prepared for long delivery times and high fees on larger orders.
India
Complex customs environment:
De minimis: Varies by interpretation, effectively very low or zero for e-commerce
What you pay:
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 10-20% typically
- Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD
- GST: 18-28% (on value + duties)
- Customs clearance fee
Reality: Enforcement varies. Some packages pass through, others get stopped. High-value items almost always get charged.
Additional restriction: Electronics may require BIS certification, causing delays or rejections.
Nigeria
Complex and often arbitrary:
Official de minimis: Low or zero for commercial imports
What you pay:
- Import duties: 10-35% depending on product
- VAT: 7.5%
- Port handling charges
- Customs clearance fees
Reality:
- Customs processes are unpredictable
- Charges can seem arbitrary
- Packages sometimes held for extended periods
- Corruption and “facilitation fees” sometimes expected
- Some packages pass through without charges, others don’t
Recommendation: Keep orders small and low-value. Be prepared for potential fees and delays.
How to Know if You’ll Owe Duties
Factors that determine charges:
1. Item declared value The customs declaration shows item value. This is what customs uses to assess duties.
2. Product category Some categories have higher tariffs (textiles, footwear, certain electronics).
3. Your country’s threshold Below de minimis = usually no duties. Above = duties likely.
4. Shipping method Express shipping (DHL, FedEx) almost always goes through customs properly. Standard shipping sometimes slips through unchecked (but don’t count on it).
5. Customs enforcement Some countries (Germany, UK, Canada) check almost everything. Others are less rigorous.
6. Random selection Even low-value items can be randomly selected for inspection.
How Much Will It Actually Cost?
Rough estimation formula:
Step 1: Find your country’s de minimis (See country guide above)
Step 2: Calculate if you’re over threshold Item price + shipping cost = declared value
Step 3: If over threshold, estimate:
Duties: Item value × duty rate for product category (usually 0-20%)
VAT/GST: (Item value + shipping + duties) × VAT rate (typically 5-27%)
Handling fee: $5-30 flat fee
Total extra cost = Duties + VAT + Handling fee
Example (UK, £200 order, 5% duty rate):
- Duty: £200 × 5% = £10
- VAT: (£200 + £10) × 20% = £42
- Handling: £12
- Total: £64 extra (32% added to order cost)
When and How Do You Pay?
Payment timing:
At checkout: Some countries/platforms now collect VAT at checkout (UK, EU, Australia for orders under thresholds). You’ll see it added to your total.
At delivery: Most duties, taxes, and fees are collected by the delivery service when your package arrives.
After delivery: Some couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) deliver first, then send you an invoice to pay later.
How payment works:
If postal service delivers (USPS, Royal Mail, etc.):
- Delivery person collects payment
- You pay cash or they leave notice to pick up at post office and pay there
- Can’t receive package until paid
If private courier delivers (DHL, FedEx, UPS):
- May collect at door
- Or deliver and invoice you separately
- Have your credit card ready or pay online after
Can You Avoid or Reduce Tariffs?
Legal strategies:
Strategy 1: Keep Orders Under De Minimis Threshold
How it works: Order value below your country’s threshold = no duties.
Implementation:
- Instead of one $500 order, place five $100 orders
- Space them out over time
- Each stays under threshold
Limitations:
- More shipping costs
- More time waiting for multiple deliveries
- Shipping costs might offset duty savings
Best for: Countries with reasonable thresholds ($150+)
Strategy 2: Choose Duty-Free Product Categories
How it works: Some product categories have 0% duty rates in your country.
Examples:
- Books often have 0% duty
- Some electronics have low/zero rates
- Children’s items sometimes exempt
Implementation: Research your country’s tariff schedule for items you’re considering.
Where to find tariff rates:
- US: USITC Tariff Database
- UK: UK Trade Tariff
- EU: TARIC database
- Other countries: Search “[country name] customs tariff schedule”
Strategy 3: Use Tax-Free Shopping Programs
Some countries/platforms have programs:
- Remessa Conforme (Brazil)
- VAT collection at checkout (UK, EU)
How it helps: Duties/taxes collected upfront = no surprise charges at delivery.
Implementation: Check if AliExpress shows duties/VAT at checkout for your country.
Strategy 4: Choose Different Shipping Methods
Reality: Express shipping (DHL, FedEx) ALWAYS goes through customs properly. Standard shipping sometimes doesn’t get inspected.
Don’t rely on this: It’s essentially hoping customs doesn’t check your package. They often do, especially for higher values.
Not recommended as a strategy – it’s essentially tax evasion if you’re counting on it.
What Happens If You Refuse to Pay?
Scenario: Package arrives, duties are demanded, you refuse to pay.
What happens:
Step 1: Package isn’t released to you Delivery service holds it.
Step 2: You have limited time to decide Usually 5-30 days depending on country.
Step 3: Options:
Option A: Pay the charges Receive package.
Option B: Refuse/abandon the package
- Package returns to sender (seller)
- You don’t get item
- You don’t get automatic refund
Option C: Contest the charges If you believe they’re calculated incorrectly:
- Contact customs office
- Provide documentation
- Request re-assessment
- Sometimes successful, often not worth the effort
Step 4: If you abandon:
- Package returns to China (takes weeks/months)
- Once seller receives it, you can request refund through AliExpress dispute
- Seller may refuse, citing that you refused delivery
- AliExpress may side with seller
- You risk losing both item AND money
Recommendation: Only refuse if:
- Charges are clearly wrong (math error, wrong category)
- Charges exceed item value (sometimes happens)
- You’re willing to lose the money if dispute fails
Better approach: Factor potential duties into your purchase decision BEFORE ordering.
AliExpress’s Role in Duties and Taxes
What AliExpress does:
- Provides customs declarations with packages
- In some countries (UK, EU, Australia), collects VAT at checkout
- Lists item value and description for customs
What AliExpress doesn’t do:
- Pay your import duties for you (in most countries)
- Guarantee duty-free delivery
- Reimburse you for customs charges
- Handle disputes about duty amounts
Seller’s role:
- Declares value for customs
- Some sellers under-declare values (illegal and risky)
- You’re responsible for paying correct duties regardless of declared value
Your responsibility: Understand and pay import duties required by your country’s laws. This is separate from your transaction with AliExpress.
Under-Declaration: Why You Shouldn’t Ask For It
What it is: Seller lists lower value on customs form than actual value paid.
Why sellers sometimes do it: Help buyers avoid duties (at seller’s risk).
Why this is a bad idea:
Risk 1: Illegal It’s customs fraud in most countries. You and seller are breaking the law.
Risk 2: Insurance issues If package is lost, insurance covers declared value only. Item worth $200 declared as $20 = $20 compensation maximum.
Risk 3: Refund complications If you need to dispute/refund, your payment proof shows $200 but customs shows $20. Can complicate disputes.
Risk 4: Penalties if caught Customs can:
- Seize package
- Fine you
- Require correct duties + penalties
- Flag your address for increased scrutiny
Risk 5: Seller can exploit you Unscrupulous sellers can claim item was only worth $20 (as declared) if you dispute quality.
Recommendation: Don’t ask sellers to under-declare. Factor real duties into your purchase decision.
Strategies That Actually Work
Strategy 1: Buy from AliExpress warehouses in your country
Some items ship from local warehouses (US, EU, etc.):
- Already cleared customs
- No import duties
- Faster shipping
Look for “Ships from” filter in search.
Strategy 2: Calculate total cost before buying
Use this formula: Item price + Shipping + Estimated duties/VAT = True total cost
If total cost is too high, don’t buy. Choose local alternatives.
Strategy 3: Use duty calculator tools
Online calculators:
- SimplyDuty.com
- DutyCalculator.com
- Your country’s customs website
Input:
- Item type
- Value
- Origin country (China)
- Destination
Get estimate of duties/taxes.
Strategy 4: Buy local stock when available
Some AliExpress sellers have stock in:
- US warehouses
- EU warehouses
- UK warehouses
- AU warehouses
These have already paid import duties. You pay only local VAT/sales tax (often included in price).
Strategy 5: Factor duties into ROI
Example: Local store: Item costs $150 AliExpress: Item costs $80 + $15 shipping + $25 duties = $120 total
Still $30 cheaper than local. Worth it? Depends on:
- Shipping time (3-6 weeks vs. immediate)
- Return difficulty (vs. easy local returns)
- Quality uncertainty
Sometimes paying local premium is worth avoiding hassle.
Red Flags and Scams
Scam 1: “Pay customs fee to release package” emails
What it is: Fake email claiming package is held by customs, click link to pay fee.
Reality: Legitimate customs charges come through official channels (postal service, courier), never via random emails.
How to verify:
- Check tracking on official courier website
- Call courier directly
- Never click links in unsolicited emails
Scam 2: Excessive “customs fees”
What it is: Someone (fake courier, scammer) claims duties are 80% of item value on a $50 order.
Reality: While some countries have high duties (Brazil), most are 20-40% max including all fees.
How to verify:
- Check your country’s customs website for tariff rates
- Calculate yourself using item value
- If charges seem excessive, contact customs office directly
Scam 3: “Pre-pay customs to avoid delays”
What it is: Seller or third party offers to “pre-pay” customs for extra fee.
Reality: Customs duties are paid at import, not in advance to sellers.
How to handle: Ignore. Pay actual duties to legitimate courier/customs at delivery.
Takeaway
Whether you pay tariffs on AliExpress depends entirely on your country and order value. Most countries have a minimum threshold (de minimis) below which imports are duty-free:
- US: Generally free under $800 (with exceptions)
- UK: VAT on everything, duties over £135
- EU: Combined duties/VAT over €150
- Canada: Charges on almost everything over CAD $20
- Australia: Free under AUD $1,000
Charges typically include import duties (0-25%), VAT/GST (5-27%), and handling fees ($5-30), paid at delivery to the courier. Total extra cost usually adds 20-40% to your purchase for orders above thresholds.
Best strategies:
- Keep orders under your country’s threshold when possible
- Use online duty calculators to estimate costs before buying
- Factor duties into your total cost comparison vs. local alternatives
- Choose items shipping from local warehouses when available
- Never ask sellers to under-declare values (illegal and risky)
Calculate the true total cost (item + shipping + duties) before buying. If it’s still cheaper than local alternatives and you’re okay with longer shipping times, AliExpress makes sense. If duties make it more expensive or nearly equal to local prices, buying locally is usually better due to faster delivery, easier returns, and no customs hassle.