Useful Recommendations About Customs

Proper customs declaration is crucial when shopping on Taobao.com and shipping parcels internationally from China through Parcel Up. To prevent unnecessary charges, we strongly encourage our customers to familiarize themselves with the customs clearance processes in their destination countries and the correct methods for declaring and organizing their items and parcels.

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What are customs clearance fees/taxes?

When shopping online from abroad, before your parcel is allowed into your destination country, the Customs will evaluate the nature and value of the parcel. They will determine how many duties and taxes should be collected to import the parcel to the country. Every country has specific customs regulations, so the potential duties and taxes vary for different items. Such potential additional costs are not always predictable and are beyond the control of any seller or agent, including Parcel Up. However, we offer several ways to minimize the chance of paying many customs clearance fees.

Particular parcel types

In general, a few parcel types are more likely to be asked for customs duties and taxes. Hence, they require customers to pay special attention when shopping and before international shipping.

  • Parcel of multiple identical items

Parcels containing multiple identical items are more likely to be classified as commercial shipments, prompting Customs to impose duties and taxes on them.

Therefore, it’s advisable to split large quantities of identical items into multiple orders. Meanwhile, you can also contact our online support and ask to pack items in different parcels.

  • Parcel of a heavy weight

In some countries, Customs tend to pay more attention to heavy parcels, requiring recipients to pay customs clearance fees. You can always contact us for advice and to check the parcel’s weight.

  • Parcel containing valuable or specific products

If you are ordering some specific or valuable products, we recommend you check customs rules and regulations on the official Customs website of the destination country.

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General declaration

By default, we declare a parcel value between $10 and $100 ($27 to $100 for European DHL shipments). However, if you would like us to declare a specific amount, please let us know. Additionally, Airmail and EMS parcels are declared as gifts, meaning customers typically won’t be required to pay customs duties and taxes. Based on experience, declaring parcels with unusually low or high values may attract Customs’ attention.

Please note that you always have the option to customize your parcel declaration by contacting our customer support or writing to us on our Facebook page.

While it is ultimately the customer’s responsibility to manage any Customs matters in the destination country, Parcel Up is always ready to assist you. We are here to help clarify the situation and support you in resolving any issues that may arise with Customs, ensuring a smoother process for you. Our specialists are available through our online support.



We kindly ask for your understanding that Customs clearance procedures may sometimes lead to delays that are outside our estimated delivery timelines, and Parcel Up cannot be held accountable for such delays. However, please note that these delays are rare, and in most cases, our customers receive their parcels within the expected shipping timeframe. We strive to ensure the smoothest delivery process possible, but unforeseen Customs procedures may occasionally impact the timing.

Enjoy shopping with Parcel Up!