Get the HS code and duty rate right before you order — it changes your true cost.
When goods arrive, they must clear customs in your country: you or your broker declare them under an HS code, and pay import duty and taxes (such as VAT/GST) based on that code and the customs value. Because duty varies widely by product, get the HS code and rate right before you order — it is part of your real cost.
On arrival, the goods are declared to customs with a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading / air waybill. Customs assess duty and taxes from the declared value and HS code, and the goods are released once paid. In practice your freight forwarder or a customs broker handles the filing.
Every product imports under a Harmonized System (HS) code — an international classification that determines the duty rate and any restrictions. The same product can carry very different duty depending on its exact code, so confirm the correct classification for your country before ordering. Getting it wrong causes delays, penalties or overpaid duty.
You typically pay import duty (a percentage set by the HS code) plus import taxes such as VAT or GST, calculated on the customs value — often the goods value plus freight and insurance (CIF). Rates and thresholds vary by country, and trade agreements can reduce duty. Budget these before you commit, because they change which supplier is actually cheapest.