Whether you pay import duty or VAT on AliExpress purchases depends entirely on your country's rules and the value of your order. Understanding this before you buy prevents unpleasant surprises at delivery.
Important: AliExpress is required by law to collect VAT for certain countries (UK, EU, Australia, Norway, etc.) on low-value shipments. This is already included in the price shown at checkout for these countries. For other countries, customs fees are paid separately on delivery.
The US applies a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment. Orders below $800 from a single shipper on a single day enter duty-free. Above $800, formal customs entry is required with applicable duties. Note: recent US trade policy changes have affected de minimis rules for packages from China - check current CBP guidance as this threshold has been subject to change.
Since January 2021, all goods imported to the UK are subject to 20% VAT regardless of value. AliExpress collects this at checkout for UK buyers. For goods above GBP 135, import duty may also apply depending on product category.
The EU eliminated its EUR 22 low-value import VAT exemption in July 2021. Now all goods entering the EU carry 20%+ VAT (varies by country). AliExpress collects this at checkout. For goods above EUR 150, additional customs duties may apply.
Brazil's Remessa Conforme program applies to registered foreign e-commerce platforms. Under this program: purchases up to USD 50 are taxed at a flat 20% federal tax. Purchases above USD 50 face the standard 60% import tax plus state VAT (ICMS). AliExpress participates in Remessa Conforme and collects applicable taxes at checkout.
Malaysia applies a Low Value Goods Tax (LVGT) of 10% on imported goods valued below RM 500 sold via online platforms. This was introduced in January 2024. For goods above RM 500, standard import duties apply based on the harmonized tariff code.
Indonesia applies import duty on goods valued above USD 3 per shipment. The rate varies by product category (typically 5-40%). VAT of 11% also applies. AliExpress has become a registered Indonesian importer (Penyelenggara Perdagangan Melalui Sistem Elektronik/PPMSE), which affects how taxes are handled.
Australia applies 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on all imported goods since July 2018. AliExpress collects this automatically at checkout for Australian buyers. For goods above AUD 1,000, additional customs duty may apply.
Some countries (US for orders under $800, certain developing markets) may still see packages cleared without advance collection of duties. In this case, your postal carrier or courier will contact you with a customs bill before delivering the package. Refusing to pay results in the package being returned or destroyed.
This duty is separate from the product price and from any taxes AliExpress collected at checkout. AliExpress Buyer Protection does not cover customs fees - these are the buyer's responsibility under all platform terms.