When is customs clearance required for Chinese imports?
All shipments arriving from outside the EU (including China, AliExpress, Alibaba) are subject to customs procedures. The type of procedure depends on the value of the goods and whether you are ordering as a private individual or as a business.
📢 New EU customs rule — effective 1 July 2026: Parcels from outside the EU valued below 150 EUR are subject to a 3 EUR customs duty per product category (defined by customs tariff numbers). For example, a T-shirt, phone case and earphones in one parcel = 3 categories → 3 × 3 = 9 EUR total. Three identical T-shirts = 1 category = 3 EUR. Shipments above 150 EUR are handled under the existing rules.
⚡ Most common cause of delays: missing or incorrect documents. Send us the paperwork before the goods arrive whenever possible.
Private individual or business? – Different rules apply
👤 Private Individual
- Under 150 EUR: 3 EUR/category (from 1 Jul 2026)
- Over 150 EUR: full customs clearance required
- EORI or VPID number required (we can arrange it)
- VAT is due on the customs value
- We handle the entire process
🏢 Business / Company
- EORI or VPID number required (we can arrange it)
- Import VAT can be reclaimed or transferred
- Full customs declaration for all shipments
- Duty rate depends on the HS tariff code
- We handle all documentation end to end
Required documents
Missing documentation is the most common cause of customs delays. Prepare these before your goods arrive:
🧾 Commercial InvoiceSeller's invoice with item description, quantity and unit price
📋 Packing ListDetailed list of parcel contents, weights and dimensions
✈️ Airway Bill (AWB) / BLTransport document from the carrier (DHL, FedEx, etc.)
🔍 Tracking NumberUsed to identify and locate the parcel in the customs system
✅ CE Declaration / CertificateRequired for electronics, toys, tools and regulated products
📌 NoteIf documents are missing on arrival, customs storage fees start accruing immediately
How we handle it for you
1
Contact usTell us what you ordered, from which platform and what the value is
2
Document collectionWe tell you exactly what's needed and help you obtain it from the seller or courier
3
Customs declarationWe submit the declaration to the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) on your behalf
4
Duty and VAT paymentWe inform you of the exact amounts; for businesses we can also take over the import VAT obligation
5
Goods releasedIf all documents are in order: within 1 business day of arrival
Note: If you don't yet have an EORI or VPID number, we can arrange that too — usually within 1–2 business days. → EORI number registration
Get your customs clearance started!
Fill in the enquiry form — our team will call you back within 1 hour during business hours.
📩 Request a Quote / Contact Usor contact us directly: office@vambroker.hu · +36 20 50 40 525
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay customs duty on an AliExpress order?
From 1 July 2026, a new EU rule applies: orders from outside the EU worth less than 150 EUR are subject to a 3 EUR customs duty per product category (customs tariff number). For example, a T-shirt, phone case and earphones = 3 categories × 3 EUR = 9 EUR. Over 150 EUR, full customs clearance is required — including customs duty and import VAT.
How is the 3 EUR customs duty calculated?
The 3 EUR flat rate applies per product category, defined by the customs tariff (HS) code. If your parcel contains items in 3 different categories, the total is 9 EUR. Items in the same category are charged only once: three identical T-shirts = 3 EUR.
How long does customs clearance take?
If all documents are in order, we can complete customs clearance within 1 business day of arrival. Delays may occur due to missing documents, physical inspection by customs, or customs audit.
Do I need an EORI number for a Chinese import?
Yes, both private individuals and businesses need an EORI or VPID number for customs clearance of Chinese imports. We can arrange the registration for you — typically within 1–2 business days.
How much is the customs duty and VAT on Chinese goods?
Customs duty depends on the HS tariff code of the product (typically 0–12% for most goods). Import VAT in Hungary is 27%, calculated on the customs value plus duty. For businesses, import VAT is generally deductible. We can also take over the VAT payment obligation.
What is the difference between AliExpress and Alibaba customs clearance?
AliExpress is typically used by private individuals ordering smaller quantities; Alibaba is used by businesses ordering in bulk. The customs rules are the same for both — the same thresholds and documents apply. We can assist with both.
