Temu Customs Fees & Import Duties: Complete Guide 2025

🧮 Quick Customs Calculator

Order Value: $50 | Your Country: USA

✅ No customs fees! (Under $800 threshold)

Most Temu orders avoid customs fees due to low values and de minimis thresholds.

Worried about surprise customs charges on your Temu order? This comprehensive guide explains exactly when you'll pay customs fees, how much they cost, and how to avoid unexpected charges when shopping on Temu from any country.

Do You Have to Pay Customs on Temu Orders?

✅ Good News: Most Temu Orders Are Customs-Free

The majority of Temu shoppers never pay customs fees because:

  • Orders are usually below customs thresholds
  • Temu splits large orders into smaller packages
  • Many countries have high de minimis values
  • Temu sometimes marks packages as "gifts" (though this is controversial)

Customs Thresholds by Country (2025)

🇺🇸United States

Threshold: $800

  • Import Duty: None under $800
  • Sales Tax: Not collected by customs
  • Processing Fee: None for packages under threshold

Bottom Line: US shoppers rarely pay customs on Temu orders unless ordering over $800 worth of items.

🇬🇧United Kingdom

Threshold: £135

  • VAT: 20% on orders over £15
  • Import Duty: 2.5-12% on orders over £135
  • Handling Fee: £8-12 by Royal Mail/courier

Note: Since Brexit, all non-UK orders are subject to VAT. Temu should collect VAT at checkout for orders under £135.

🇩🇪Germany (Temu Zoll)

Threshold: €150

  • Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (VAT): 19% on all orders from outside EU
  • Zollgebühren: Applied on orders over €150
  • Auslagepauschale: €6 handling fee by Deutsche Post

Wichtig: Since July 2021, VAT applies to all imports. Temu should use IOSS for automatic VAT collection.

🇨🇦Canada

Threshold: CAD $20

  • GST/HST: 5-15% depending on province
  • PST: Additional provincial tax where applicable
  • Duty: Varies by product (0-20%)
  • Handling Fee: CAD $9.95 by Canada Post

Warning: Canada has the lowest threshold, making customs fees more likely.

🇦🇺Australia

Threshold: AUD $1,000

  • GST: 10% on all orders (collected at checkout)
  • Import Duty: 5% on orders over $1,000
  • Processing: Usually included in shipping

Note: Temu collects GST at checkout, so no surprise fees for orders under $1,000.

European Union Countries - Temu Zollgebühren

Country VAT Rate Duty Threshold Handling Fee
🇫🇷 France 20% €150 €8-15
🇳🇱 Netherlands 21% €150 €13
🇪🇸 Spain 21% €150 €10-18
🇮🇹 Italy 22% €150 €5-15
🇧🇪 Belgium 21% €150 €15-20
🇸🇪 Sweden 25% €150 SEK 75

How to Calculate Your Customs Fees

📱 Customs Fee Formula:

  1. Product Value: $100
  2. Shipping Cost: $10 (sometimes included)
  3. Customs Value: $110
  4. Import Duty: $110 × duty rate (e.g., 5%) = $5.50
  5. VAT/GST: ($110 + $5.50) × VAT rate (e.g., 20%) = $23.10
  6. Handling Fee: Fixed fee by postal service = $10
  7. Total Customs Charges: $38.60

How Temu Handles Customs (IOSS System)

📦 IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop)

For EU customers, Temu uses IOSS for orders under €150:

  • VAT collected at checkout
  • No additional fees on delivery
  • Faster customs clearance
  • Look for IOSS number on checkout

Tips to Avoid Unexpected Customs Fees

  1. Keep Orders Under Threshold: Split large orders into multiple smaller ones
  2. Check VAT at Checkout: If Temu collects VAT, you shouldn't pay again
  3. Avoid Bulk Orders: Large quantities may trigger commercial import rules
  4. Track Your Package: Monitor for customs holds via tracking number
  5. Save Receipts: Proof of payment helps dispute double charges
  6. Use Accurate Declarations: False declarations can lead to penalties

What Happens If You Get Customs Charges?

⚠️ If You Receive a Customs Notice:

  1. Don't Ignore It: Package will be returned after 15-30 days
  2. Verify Charges: Check calculation against your country's rates
  3. Pay Online: Often cheaper than paying on delivery
  4. Contact Temu: They sometimes reimburse reasonable fees
  5. Keep Documentation: For potential reimbursement claims

Common Customs Fee Scenarios

Scenario Likelihood of Fees Typical Charges
$30 order to USA None $0
£50 order to UK VAT only £10 + £8 handling
€200 order to Germany Duty + VAT €38-50 + €6 handling
CAD $50 order to Canada High CAD $7.50-15 + $9.95
Multiple small packages Low Usually avoided

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Temu pay customs fees?

No, Temu doesn't pay your customs fees. However, they may collect VAT at checkout for some countries using the IOSS system. Any import duties or handling fees are the buyer's responsibility.

Why didn't I pay customs on my last order but did this time?

Several factors affect customs charges:

  • Order value crossed the threshold
  • Random customs inspections
  • Different product categories have different rates
  • Package declaration methods vary

Can I refuse to pay customs fees?

Yes, but your package will be returned to sender. You'll need to contact Temu for a refund, which may take 4-8 weeks. It's usually better to pay and seek reimbursement from Temu if fees seem excessive.

Does Temu mark packages as gifts to avoid customs?

Some users report packages marked as "gifts" with lower declared values. This practice is illegal and can result in penalties. Legitimate gifts have different thresholds but commercial purchases shouldn't be declared as gifts.

Country-Specific Customs Guides

🇩🇪 Temu Zoll für Deutschland

Wichtige Informationen für deutsche Käufer:

🇬🇧 UK Specific Rules Post-Brexit

Final Tips: Avoiding Customs Surprises

✅ Best Practices:

  1. Calculate First: Use our estimates before ordering
  2. Order Smart: Stay under your country's threshold
  3. Track Actively: Monitor for customs holds
  4. Budget Extra: Add 20-30% for potential fees on larger orders
  5. Document Everything: Keep receipts and screenshots

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Orders over your country's threshold
  • Multiple identical items (commercial quantities)
  • High-value electronics or jewelry
  • Express shipping (more scrutiny)
  • Previous customs issues on your address

Bottom Line: While most Temu orders arrive without customs fees, understanding your country's rules helps avoid surprises. Keep orders small, track packages carefully, and budget for potential fees on larger purchases. When in doubt, contact Temu support before ordering expensive items.