Customs warns: Black Friday purchases from abroad can be expensive

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For Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season, foreign online shopping providers also advertise special bargains on the internet. Interested parties should, however, be careful not to incur hidden costs. The main customs office in Heilbronn is now pointing this out and urging caution with orders from abroad. Buyers should not only keep delivery times in mind. Even for orders under 150 Euros, import duties are due, which can quickly negate the price advantage.

As the Heilbronn Main Customs Office reports, import sales tax is generally due for all shipments from non-EU countries – regardless of the value of the goods. For orders up to 150 Euros, 19 percent import sales tax is due, and for certain goods such as food or books, 7 percent. In addition, excise duties are levied on alcoholic beverages and coffee. However, duties under one Euro are not collected – so if you order a small item for 4 Euros, for example, you don't have to pay anything despite a calculated import sales tax of 0.76 Euros (19%). In addition, postal and courier services usually charge a service fee for customs declaration, which further reduces the price advantage.

If the value of the goods exceeds the 150 Euro limit, customs duties depending on the goods will be added in addition to the import sales tax. Only genuine gift shipments from private individuals to private individuals remain duty-free up to 45 Euros – but only under certain conditions: the goods must not be prohibited or subject to quantity restrictions. For goods subject to excise duty, there are also strict quantity limits, such as 50 cigarettes or one liter of spirits.

Counterfeit branded goods are confiscated

Particular caution is advised with supposed brand products at low prices. Customs generally confiscates all counterfeit goods, with legal consequences for the buyer. In addition, the purchase price is usually not refunded, and brand rights holders may assert civil claims.

The problem of fraudulent offers is intensifying in the current shopping season. Criminals deliberately use Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season to deceive buyers with fake shops. Consumer protection agencies have already published an extensive list of fraudulent online shops.

Product safety often inadequate

Product safety also poses a significant risk. If imported goods lack CE markings or important warning labels, the responsible market surveillance authority may refuse import. Health risks due to inadequate standards are particularly threatened with toys, electronics, cosmetics, or medical products. Products that do not meet EU requirements will be rejected or destroyed – at the buyer's expense.

The rules for tobacco products are also strict: parcel shipments of cigarettes, smoking tobacco, cigars, as well as e-cigarettes and their liquids without valid German tax stamps are generally prohibited and will be confiscated.

Chatbot and duty calculator as help

Customs provides digital assistance services for consumers. The Chatbot "TinA" answers questions about import regulations. With the duty calculator, estimated import duties can be calculated in advance. Comprehensive information on parcel shipments and online orders can be found on the Customs website.

In the coming years, foreign orders are likely to become even pricier. The EU Commission plans to introduce customs duty for goods under 150 euros from 2028 onwards. According to estimates, 65 percent of packages from third countries deliberately state a value that is too low to avoid duties. The planned reform is intended to create fairer competitive conditions and curb the influx of cheap goods from platforms such as Temu, Shein, or AliExpress.

(mki)