VAT, Customs Fees, and Import Duties: What to Expect

Will my order be subject to customs fees?

When importing artworks from another country, your order may be subject to custom fees. These charges are imposed by governments and are beyond Suarte’s control.

Applicability of customs fees

Customs fees are generally applicable unless the buyer and the gallery are situated either in the same country or within EU member nations. In such instances, VAT will be applied to your order during the checkout process. 

Responsibility for Payment

The buyer is usually responsible for paying any customs duties and taxes associated with the import of goods. These fees are often collected by the courier or customs officials before or upon delivery of the items, depending on the regulations of the destination country.

Estimation of Charges

Unfortunately, we cannot estimate customs duties and taxes. These costs vary based on the value of the artwork and where it’s coming from. The destination country’s import laws determine such amounts, and the information is publicly available. Furthermore, each courier may apply processing fees related to filing customs documents.

For US residents, resources such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website may be helpful.

Refusal of Payment

In case you refuse to pay the customs duties, the artwork will not be delivered and is likely to be retained by the courier for a specified period before being returned to the sender. It is crucial to note that refusal to pay customs fees does not qualify as a valid reason for a refund.