Temu Customs Fees & Import Duties

Understanding customs fees is essential when ordering from Temu or any international shopping platform. Because Temu ships most products directly from China, every order is technically an import -- and depending on where you live, your country's customs authority may charge import duties, taxes, or processing fees on your purchase.

The good news is that most shoppers in the United States, Australia, and several other countries pay zero customs fees on typical Temu orders. However, shoppers in Canada, the EU, and the UK are more likely to encounter additional charges. This comprehensive guide explains exactly when customs fees apply, how much they cost, and how to avoid unexpected charges at delivery.

Do You Pay Customs Fees on Temu Orders?

The Short Answer

It depends on your country and order value. Every country sets a "de minimis threshold" -- a value below which imported goods enter duty-free. If your Temu order falls below your country's threshold, you pay nothing extra. If it exceeds the threshold, you may owe import duties, VAT/GST, and sometimes a carrier handling fee.

United States: $800 Threshold

The US has the most generous de minimis threshold at $800 per shipment. Since the average Temu order is $15-40, the overwhelming majority of US shoppers pay absolutely no customs fees. This $800 limit applies per shipment, not per day or per account, so even multiple orders arriving on the same day are each evaluated independently.

When US customs fees apply: Only if a single shipment is declared at over $800 in value, which is extremely rare for individual Temu purchases. If it happens, duty rates vary from 0-25% depending on the product category, and you may need to pay a customs broker fee. For a deeper look at how tariff policy is changing, see our Temu tariffs guide.

Customs Thresholds by Country: Complete Breakdown

Here is a detailed look at de minimis thresholds, tax obligations, and what to expect when your Temu order arrives in each major market:

United Kingdom (GBP 135)

• Customs duty threshold: 135 GBP -- orders below this value are exempt from import duty
• VAT: 20% VAT applies on ALL imports regardless of value. Temu collects this at checkout for orders under 135 GBP
• Orders over 135 GBP: Import duty (0-12% depending on product type) + 20% VAT + Royal Mail/carrier handling fee (typically 8-12 GBP)
• Practical impact: Most UK Temu shoppers pay VAT at checkout but no additional fees at delivery. Keep individual orders under 135 GBP to avoid customs duties and handling charges.

European Union (EUR 150)

• Customs duty threshold: 150 EUR -- orders below this value are exempt from import duty
• VAT: Applies on ALL imports regardless of value (rates vary: Germany 19%, France 20%, Italy 22%, Netherlands 21%, Spain 21%). Temu collects VAT at checkout through the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system.
• Orders over 150 EUR: Import duty (0-17% depending on product type) + VAT + customs processing fee (varies by country, typically 10-25 EUR)
• Important: The EU is considering lowering the 150 EUR threshold in 2026, which would affect more Temu orders. Stay updated with our tariff changes tracker.

Canada (CAD 20)

• Customs duty threshold: 20 CAD -- one of the lowest in the world
• GST/HST: Applies on most orders above the threshold (5% GST or 13-15% HST depending on province)
• Orders over 20 CAD: Customs duty (varies by product) + GST/HST + CBSA processing fee (typically 5-10 CAD) + carrier brokerage fee (9.95-25 CAD for Canada Post, more for private couriers)
• Practical impact: Canadian shoppers are much more likely to face additional fees than US shoppers. Even a $25 CAD order can trigger charges. Consider this when comparing Temu prices to domestic alternatives.

Australia (AUD 1,000)

• Customs duty threshold: 1,000 AUD -- very generous for shoppers
• GST: 10% GST applies on ALL imports. Temu collects this at checkout.
• Orders over 1,000 AUD: Import duty (0-10% for most consumer goods) + GST + customs processing charge (around 90 AUD)
• Practical impact: Australian Temu shoppers rarely encounter customs duties. GST is already included at checkout. This makes Australia one of the most favourable countries for Temu shopping.

Other Countries

• New Zealand: 1,000 NZD threshold; 15% GST collected by Temu at checkout
• Japan: 10,000 JPY (approximately $65 USD) for customs duty; consumption tax applies
• South Korea: 150 USD threshold; 10% VAT applies above threshold
• Mexico: 50 USD threshold; 16% IVA tax on imports above the threshold
• Brazil: Effectively 0 threshold; taxes apply on all international purchases

When Customs Fees Are Most Likely to Apply

Even in countries with generous thresholds, certain situations increase the likelihood of being charged customs fees:

• Large orders: Ordering many items in a single shipment that collectively exceed the threshold
• Expensive items: Electronics, jewellery, or branded goods with higher declared values
• Random inspections: Customs authorities randomly select packages for inspection regardless of value
• Incorrect declarations: If the declared value appears suspiciously low compared to the contents
• Restricted product categories: Some products (cosmetics, supplements, electronics) face additional scrutiny

How to Estimate Customs Fees on Your Temu Order

Before placing a large order, you can estimate potential customs fees using this simple process:

1. Determine your country's de minimis threshold using the table above
2. Calculate your order's declared value -- this is the product price, not including shipping
3. If under the threshold: You likely owe nothing beyond what Temu charges at checkout (which may already include VAT/GST)
4. If over the threshold: Estimate duty at 10-15% of the declared value as a rough guide, plus any VAT/GST, plus a carrier handling fee of $5-15

Example calculation for a UK shopper with a 150 GBP Temu order:

• Product value: 150 GBP (above the 135 GBP threshold)
• Estimated import duty at 12%: 18 GBP
• VAT at 20% on (150 + 18): 33.60 GBP
• Royal Mail handling fee: 8 GBP
• Total additional fees: approximately 59.60 GBP

This is why keeping individual UK orders under 135 GBP is strongly recommended. The same principle applies in every country -- stay below the threshold to avoid extra charges.

What Triggers a Customs Inspection?

Customs inspections are partly random, but certain factors increase the likelihood of your Temu package being stopped and examined:

• Unusual weight-to-value ratio: A heavy package declared at a very low value raises flags
• Vague product descriptions: Packages labelled "gift" or "sample" instead of accurate product descriptions attract scrutiny
• Restricted item categories: Cosmetics, supplements, food items, batteries, and electronics are more frequently inspected
• High-frequency ordering: Multiple packages arriving daily from the same origin may trigger commercial import rules
• Country of origin: Packages from China face increased inspection rates in many countries due to trade policy focus

Tips to Avoid Customs Surprises

For All Countries

• Keep orders under your threshold: Split large orders into smaller shipments that each fall below the de minimis limit
• Check if VAT/GST is included: Temu now collects VAT/GST at checkout for many countries. Check your receipt -- if tax was already collected, you should not be charged again at delivery
• Save your receipts: If customs contacts you about duties, having your Temu receipt helps prove the declared value is accurate
• Know what is restricted: Some items (lithium batteries, certain cosmetics, food products) may be held by customs regardless of value
• Use Temu's purchase protection: If you are charged unexpected customs fees, Temu's customer service may help resolve disputes

Country-Specific Tips

• US shoppers: You are in the best position. Enjoy the $800 threshold while it lasts, and use Temu coupon codes to save even more.
• UK shoppers: Keep orders under 135 GBP. VAT is already included at checkout, so your total at delivery should match your Temu receipt.
• EU shoppers: Keep orders under 150 EUR. VAT is collected at checkout via IOSS. If you receive a VAT demand at delivery for an order where Temu already charged VAT, dispute it with the carrier.
• Canadian shoppers: The 20 CAD threshold is very low. Factor in an extra 15-30% for potential duties and fees on most orders. Check our best deals page to ensure Temu pricing still offers value after duties.
• Australian shoppers: GST is collected at checkout. The 1,000 AUD duty threshold means virtually no risk of additional fees.

What to Do If You Are Charged Customs Fees

1. Verify the charge is legitimate: Ensure it comes from your country's postal service or customs authority, not a scam email or text
2. Check if VAT/GST was already paid: If Temu collected tax at checkout, you may be able to dispute the duplicate charge with the delivery carrier
3. Pay and collect your package: If the fee is legitimate, you must pay before receiving your goods. Refusing to pay means the package is returned or destroyed.
4. Request a refund from Temu: In cases of overcharging or error, contact Temu support with your receipts for potential reimbursement
5. Appeal the assessment: If you believe the duty was calculated incorrectly, you can appeal to your country's customs authority with proof of the actual value paid

2026 Policy Changes to Watch

Several significant changes are under discussion that could affect Temu customs fees:

• US de minimis reform: Multiple congressional proposals to lower or eliminate the $800 threshold for Chinese shipments
• EU customs reform: The European Commission has proposed eliminating the 150 EUR customs duty exemption entirely
• Canada CBSA modernisation: Efforts to streamline customs processing may change how fees are assessed on e-commerce shipments
• Global minimum tax proposals: Some countries are exploring flat-rate taxes on all international e-commerce purchases

We monitor these developments closely and update this page as changes take effect. For detailed tariff analysis, visit our Temu tariffs 2025-2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temu charge customs fees at checkout?

Temu does not charge customs duties at checkout. However, Temu does collect VAT/GST at checkout for shoppers in the UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand. Customs duties (import tariffs) are separate and are only charged if your order exceeds your country's threshold.

Why did I get charged customs fees on a small Temu order?

This can happen for several reasons: your country may have a low de minimis threshold (Canada's is only 20 CAD), multiple packages may have been grouped together by customs, or the declared value may have been assessed differently. Contact your postal carrier for clarification and keep your Temu receipt as proof of the actual purchase price.

Can I avoid customs fees by marking orders as gifts?

No. Requesting that sellers mark packages as "gifts" is against customs regulations in most countries and can result in penalties, package seizure, or future import restrictions. Temu's system generates commercial invoices automatically, so gift declarations are not possible through the platform.

Do Temu orders shipped from US warehouses avoid customs?

Yes. Products that ship from Temu's US-based warehouses are domestic shipments and are not subject to customs duties or import processing. Look for "Ships from US" or faster delivery estimates as indicators that the item is warehoused domestically. Check our Temu legitimacy guide for more shipping details.

How do customs fees compare between Temu, Shein, and AliExpress?

Customs fees are based on your country's regulations, not the platform. A $50 order from Temu, Shein, or AliExpress faces the same duty rates. The main difference is that Temu and Shein tend to collect VAT/GST at checkout for applicable countries, while AliExpress may not always do so, leading to surprise charges at delivery.