When shopping from the USA to the UK, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to customs duties and taxes. Here is a general guide to help you understand the process:

De minimis value: In the UK, the de minimis value for imports is £135. This means that goods valued below £135 are generally exempt from customs duty and VAT. However, this exemption doesn't apply to certain types of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco products, and perfumes.

Customs duty: Goods valued above the de minimis threshold may be subject to customs duty. The rate of duty depends on the type of goods and their country of origin. To determine the rate of duty, you can use the UK government's online tariff tool.

VAT: Goods imported into the UK may also be subject to VAT (value-added tax), which is currently set at 20%. This tax is calculated based on the value of the goods, plus any applicable customs duty and shipping charges.

Here is a general overview of the customs duty and taxes that may be applicable for some major categories of goods:

1. Clothing and footwear: Generally, clothing and footwear are exempt from customs duty in the UK. However, they may be subject to VAT if they are valued above the de minimis threshold.
2. Electronics: Electronics, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, are subject to both customs duty and VAT. The rate of duty depends on the type of product and its country of origin.
3. Cosmetics and beauty products: Cosmetics and beauty products are subject to VAT, but are usually exempt from customs duty.
4. Books and printed materials: Books and printed materials are usually exempt from both customs duty and VAT.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific customs duties and taxes for your shipment may vary depending on the type and value of the goods you're importing. You can use the UK government's online tariff tool or consult with a customs broker or logistics provider for more detailed information.

The UK has strict regulations on what items can be imported or brought into the country. Some items are completely banned, while others are restricted or require special permits. Here are some examples of banned and prohibited items in the UK:

1. Illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy
2. Offensive weapons, such as flick knives, butterfly knives, and disguised knives
3. Firearms and ammunition, unless you have a valid license and permits
4. Obscene materials, such as pornographic or extreme violent content
5. Endangered species and products made from them, including ivory, tortoise shell, and certain types of fur
6. Meat and dairy products from outside the EU
7. Products that infringe copyright or trademark laws, such as counterfeit goods and pirated software
8. Cultural artefacts, such as antiquities and works of art, without proper permits and documentation
9. Radioactive materials and nuclear fuels
10. Chemicals and substances that can pose a threat to public health and safety.

It is important to check with the UK government's website or a reputable customs broker to determine which items are banned or prohibited before attempting to import them into the country.

The best way to calculate customs duty depends on the country you're importing goods into and the specific customs regulations in place. However, here are some general steps to follow:

1. Determine the value of the goods: The customs duty you pay is usually based on the value of the goods you're importing, which includes the cost of the product, shipping, and insurance.
2. Determine the applicable tariff rate: Tariff rates are specific to each product and can vary depending on the country of origin. You can usually find the applicable tariff rate on the website of your country's customs authority.
3. Calculate the customs duty: To calculate the customs duty, multiply the value of the goods by the applicable tariff rate. For example, if the value of the goods is $1,000 and the applicable tariff rate is 10%, then the customs duty would be $100.
4. Check for any additional taxes or fees: In addition to customs duty, there may be other taxes or fees that you need to pay, such as value-added tax (VAT) or handling fees. Check with your country's customs authority to see if there are any additional charges.

It's important to note that customs regulations can be complex and vary between countries, so it's always a good idea to check with your country's customs authority or validate it from third party application like simplyduty.com or any other free website or ask US - logistics provider for more detailed information on customs duty. 

Here's a general size chart for clothing across several countries:

Size Chart

Here's a general size chart for clothing in India:

For Women:

For Men:

It's important to note that these sizes are approximate and can vary between brands and manufacturers. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific size chart provided by the brand or retailer you're purchasing from. Additionally, it can be helpful to measure yourself and compare your measurements to the size chart to ensure a proper fit.

If you are planning to shop from the USA and have the items shipped to another country, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Ø  Check for shipping restrictions: Some items may not be allowed to be shipped to certain countries, such as certain types of electronics, medications, and perishable goods. Make sure to check the shipping restrictions before placing an order.

Ø  Consider shipping costs: International shipping costs can be high, so it's important to factor in the shipping costs before making a purchase. Some stores may offer free shipping or discounted rates for orders above a certain amount.

Ø  Check for customs fees: When importing goods into your country, there may be customs fees and taxes to be paid. Make sure to check your country's customs regulations and fees before placing an order.

Ø  Check the sizing: Clothing and shoe sizes may differ between the USA and your country, so make sure to check the size charts before making a purchase.

Ø  Allow for delivery time: International shipping can take longer than domestic shipping, so make sure to allow for extra time for your items to arrive.

Ø  Consider payment methods: Some stores may not accept certain payment methods from international customers, so make sure to check the payment options available.

Ø  Use a package forwarding service: If the store does not offer international shipping, you can use a package forwarding service. This service provides you with a US / India address to have your items shipped to, and then forwards the package to your international address for a fee.

Ø  Keep track of your order: Once you've placed an order, keep track of it by checking the shipping information and tracking number provided by the store or package forwarding service. This will help you to know when to expect your items to arrive.

Ø  By following these tips, you can have a successful shopping experience when ordering items from the USA / India to be shipped to another country.

Shopping for Indian clothing from Indian stores versus shopping for Indian clothing from stores in the USA can have several differences.

Ø  Firstly, shopping for Indian clothing from Indian stores can provide a more authentic and traditional shopping experience. Indian stores in India typically have a wider range of products and styles available that are specific to the local culture and customs. This can include different fabrics, designs, and embroidery styles that may not be as readily available in stores in the USA.

Ø  Secondly, shopping for Indian clothing from Indian stores in India can often be more affordable compared to shopping in the USA. This is because Indian stores in India typically have lower overhead costs and can offer products at lower prices as a result.

The prices of Indian clothing can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the type of clothing, the fabric used, the brand, and the location of the store. However, as a general example, I can provide some approximate price comparisons of Indian clothing from India versus the USA:

Ø  For example, a simple cotton salwar kameez (a traditional Indian outfit consisting of a tunic top and pants) may cost around INR 800-1500 (approximately USD 11-20) in India, while a similar outfit in a store in the USA may cost around USD 30-50.

Ø  A more elaborate and intricately embroidered silk saree (a traditional Indian garment worn by women) can cost anywhere from INR 5,000-30,000 (approximately USD 70-400) in India, while a similar saree in a store in the USA may cost around USD 200-500 or more.

Why use package forwarder for international shopping?

There are several reasons why people use package forwarders for international shopping:

1. Access to products not available in their country: Many people use package forwarders to purchase products that are not available in their own country or are available at a higher price.

2. Cost savings: Shopping through a package forwarder can be cheaper than purchasing from a local retailer or shipping directly from the international seller. This is because package forwarders can take advantage of bulk shipping rates, and they may offer additional discounts or promotions to their customers.

3. Shipping options: Package forwarders offer a variety of shipping options, allowing customers to choose the most cost-effective or fastest delivery method that meets their needs.

4. Consolidation: Package forwarders can consolidate multiple packages into a single shipment, which can save customers money on shipping fees.

5. Privacy: Using a package forwarder can provide an extra layer of privacy, as the international seller will not have the customer's personal information, such as their address or credit card details.

Overall, using a package forwarder can provide a convenient and cost-effective way for people to shop internationally and access products that may not be available in their own country

What to shop from United States ?

There are many products that are popular to buy from the United States and exported to other countries around the world. Here are some popular items that people often buy from the United States:

• ·        Technology products: The United States is known for its cutting-edge technology products such as smartphones, laptops, and other electronics that are in high demand around the world.

• ·        Clothing and fashion: The United States is a hub of the fashion industry, and American clothing brands are often in high demand globally. Popular American clothing brands include Levi's, Nike, and Calvin Klein.

• ·        Cosmetics and personal care products: The United States is home to many large cosmetics and personal care companies such as Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson that produce a wide range of beauty products.

• ·        Sports equipment: The United States is home to many popular sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour that produce a wide range of sports equipment and apparel.

• ·        Entertainment products: The United States is a major producer of entertainment products such as movies, music, and video games that are popular around the world.

Overall, the United States is a major producer of a wide range of goods and products that are popular for export around the world.

What to shop from India???

India is known for its diverse culture and rich history and is also home to a wide range of products and goods that are popular for export around the world. Here are some popular items that people often buy from India:

·        Textiles: India is known for its vibrant and colorful textiles, including cotton, silk, and wool fabrics. Popular textiles from India include saris, shawls, scarves, and bedspreads.

·        Spices: India is a major producer of spices and is known for its high-quality and flavorful spices such as cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.

·        Jewelry: India is home to many skilled jewelers who create intricate and beautiful pieces of jewelry using gold, silver, and precious stones. Traditional Indian jewelry includes bangles, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

·        Handicrafts: India has a rich tradition of handicrafts, and is known for its woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, and weaving. Popular handicraft items from India include wooden carvings, brass statues, and pottery.

·        Ayurvedic products: Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine, and many people around the world are interested in Ayurvedic products such as herbal remedies, oils, and cosmetics.

·        Tea: India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world and is known for its high-quality black tea and specialty teas such as Darjeeling and Assam.

·        Furniture: India is home to many skilled woodworkers who create beautiful and unique pieces of furniture using traditional techniques. Indian furniture includes intricately carved chairs, tables, and cabinets.

Shopping from USA to United Arab Emirates Shopping guide

United Arab Emirates De Minimis value - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a de minimis value for imported goods, which is the value below which no import duties or taxes are applied. The current de minimis value for the UAE is AED 1000 (approximately US$270) per shipment. This means that if the value of the goods being imported is less than AED 1000, no import duties or taxes will be applied.

However, it's important to note that if the shipment exceeds the de minimis value, the full value of the shipment will be subject to import duties and taxes. The specific import duties and taxes will depend on the type of goods and their value.

The import duties and taxes for United Arab Emirates (UAE) vary depending on the type of goods and their value. Goods imported into the UAE are also subject to the UAE's value-added tax (VAT) of 5% which is applied to most goods and services.

Here are some examples of import duties and taxes for common product categories: Import duties vary depending on the type of goods and the country of origin.

Clothing and textiles: VAT of 5%

Electronics: VAT of 5%

Luxury goods: VAT of 5%

Automotive products: Import duties and taxes for Automotive products are generally higher and may vary depending on the type of goods and the country of origin.

It is important to note that the import duties and taxes for specific product categories may change over time, and the information provided here may not always be up-to-date. It is advisable to check with the Federal Customs Authority or a customs broker for detailed information on import duties and taxes, and any specific regulations or laws that may apply to the goods being imported.

Does United Arab Emirates allow iPhones and electronics products to be imported for personal use?

Yes, iPhones and other electronic devices are generally allowed to be imported for personal use into the United Arab Emirates. However, it's important to note that there may be certain restrictions or regulations regarding the importation of these items. For example, items may be subject to taxes or duties, and certain types of electronic equipment may require a permit or license to import.

Additionally, it is important to note that while electronic devices are generally allowed, it is prohibited to import any illegal or pirated software, movies, music or games.

Banned Items -

The United Arab Emirates has strict laws regarding the importation of certain items. Banned items include:

·        Illegal drugs

·        Narcotic substances

·        Counterfeit currency and goods

·        Fireworks and flares

·        Weapons and ammunition

·        Adult materials and pornographic items

·        Items that may be considered insulting to Islam, such as religious books or artifacts

·        Items that may be considered offensive to the UAE's culture and traditions, such as pork products and alcohol (although these items may be allowed in certain designated areas)

It's also worth noting that certain items may be restricted and require a special permit or license to import. These items include:

·        Certain types of animals and plants

·        Medications and supplements

·        Radio equipment and electronics

·        Items that may be used for illegal activities such as hacking or intercepting communications

I would recommend you check with the UAE Customs department for more information and ensure that you comply with all of the rules and regulations or check with us before buying anything from USA. 

While shopping internationally, you want to reduce the amount of custom duty and taxes you pay on your personal/ commercial shipment. By following de minimas value, you could avoid paying duties when your shopping amount doesn’t exceed the defined De Minimis value per importing country.

De Minimis Value as the threshold is known, varies from country to country. It is a minimum value defined by a country to apply customs duty and tax rates on imported goods. For example, Items imported into United States are subject to duty when the value of their shopping amount (the value defined on invoices and excludes the shipping cost) goes over 800 USD. In Australia, custom duty and taxes are applicable after shopping amount goes over 1000 AUD i.e., equivalent to 750 USD.

Disclaimer: The below contains information that Global Express Association has been able to collect from publicly available sources. It is not an official source of information on such regimes worldwide. It may not be per GEA and its affiliates do not accept any liability for any inaccuracies contained therein or decisions made on the basis of the information listed here. Please go to each importing country to understand the custom duty and rules better. Express Association has been able to collect from publicly available sources. It is not an official source of information on such regimes worldwide. It may not be per GEA and its affiliates do not accept any liability for any inaccuracies contained therein or decisions made on the basis of the information listed here. Please go to each importing country to understand the custom duty and rules better.
 

Sourced from Global Express Association