EU Customs

Service to EU Explained

Fish4Flies operates and distributes goods from within the UK. As of 1st July 2021, the EU started charging customs fees and some delivery carriers have been placing significant handling charge on top to collect this money before items are delivered.

When do I get charged VAT?

VAT will be added to your order on the final stage of the checkout. Unfortunately every EU country charges a different VAT rate, therefore we are unable to accurately calculate an inclusive VAT rate on our product pages before we know which country you wish your order to be delivered to. Once you have completed the delivery step in the checkout, we will present you with a final VAT amount and request for payment.

Will I get charged a Customs or Handling fee?

No, your orders should no longer be charged a customs fee on orders under €150 equivalent (inclusive of tax). Fish4Flies has started charging VAT up front for our EU customers, preventing Customs from placing these charges, and delivery companies from issuing handling fees. It also prevents delays due to packages being held by Customs.

How do you do this?

We use the IOSS scheme to prepay your customs charges, via a company called EAS Project. In doing so, we send relevant details about your order (such as address and details about items being delivered) to EAS Project, as well as the VAT payment due. This enables us to send your package through the IOSS scheme, avoiding any hold ups at customs and preventing additional customs or handling charges.

What about orders over €150?

We are afraid the IOSS scheme is limited to orders under €150 and to consumers only. If your order is over €150, our system will not charge you VAT, and you will have to pay the Customs fee and relevant handling charges. If you are a business, this scheme is also unavailable to you.

Please note that the €150 limit is inclusive of VAT, meaning that your order value + VAT must be less than €150 to qualify.

What if I order in sterling?

Then your limit is £150 inclusive of VAT. Don't ask us, currently that's the rules!

What do I do if I still get charged a customs fee?

A commercial invoice is attached with every order, which details the customs charges which have already been paid. This is a relatively new system, and Customs have sometimes made mistakes; but this Commercial Invoice should clear up matters when talking to your local delivery company. Please remember, if you have not been charged VAT by us, then your order may not have qualified for the scheme and could be charged a fee at customs. Orders excluded from this scheme are items being delivered to a non-EU country, order value of €150 equivalent and above, and Business to Business orders.

If in any doubt, feel free to contact Fish4Flies for further advice.