Customs and Import Taxes on Orders from Korea: A Plain-English Guide
liblingz Team · October 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Your parcel can be charged by your own country when it arrives. These charges are set by your government, not by liblingz or the Korean store, and the rules change often. This guide explains the basics so nothing is a surprise.
Two different charges
- Customs duty: a tax on imported goods, based on what the item is and what it is worth.
- VAT or GST: a sales tax on imports. Some countries collect it at checkout, others when the parcel arrives.
Many countries have a small-value threshold below which one or both are waived. These thresholds differ by country and have been changing.
Who pays?
The person receiving the parcel. The carrier or post office may ask for payment before delivery, or send a bill afterwards. Our shipping price does not include duties or taxes of your country.
What we understand for popular destinations
| Destination | What we understand (October 2026) | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| United States | The old $800 duty-free rule for small parcels has been suspended, so duty can apply to many orders. Details depend on the shipping method. | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| European Union | The €150 duty exemption ended on 30 June 2026. A flat €3 duty applies to low-value parcels, plus VAT. How the €3 is counted can differ. | EU Taxation and Customs Union |
| United Kingdom | Customs duty is waived on parcels up to £135. VAT applies. | GOV.UK / HMRC |
| Australia | No customs duty up to A$1,000. 10% GST generally applies to low-value imports. | Australian Border Force |
| Canada, Japan and others | Rules differ by item and shipping method, and have been changing. | Your national customs agency |
Rules change often. This table is a starting point and not legal or tax advice. Please check your customs agency before ordering high-value items.
We declare the real value
We always declare the true value of your items on the customs form. Under-declaring can lead to fines or a seized parcel, so we will not do it, even if a customer asks.
Tips to avoid problems
- Check the rules for your country before you order expensive items.
- Keep your order confirmation. It can help if customs asks about value.
- Some items are restricted in some countries (certain cosmetics, supplements, food, batteries). Ask us before buying if you are unsure.
- Pickup and Pickup + Stay: you carry the items home, so your country's traveller allowance applies when you arrive.
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