European Shipping & Handling

Important information for EU customers ordering from the UK

Shipping from the UK to the EU

We ship all European orders directly from our UK-based warehouse. While we’re committed to making your delivery as smooth as possible, it’s important to understand that post-Brexit, shipping goods from the UK to the European Union is now considered international trade — and this comes with added responsibilities for the customer.

Customs, VAT & Import Duties

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, customers in European Union countries may be required to pay additional charges upon delivery, such as:

  • VAT (Value Added Tax)

  • Customs Duties

  • Import Handling Fees (charged by the courier or local postal service)

These charges are applied by your country’s customs authority, not by us, and are not included in the price you pay at checkout.

Who Pays These Charges?

You, the recipient, are responsible for any and all customs-related fees. This is known as Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) shipping — a standard practice for UK-to-EU ecommerce since Brexit.

The courier (e.g., DHL, UPS, or your local postal service) will typically contact you when your parcel arrives in your country, requesting payment of the applicable charges before delivery can proceed.

How Much Will I Pay?

The total amount you may be charged depends on:

  • Your country’s VAT rate (typically 17%–27%)

  • The value of your order

  • The product type and HS (Harmonised System) code

  • Any applicable customs duties based on trade classification

  • A handling/admin fee charged by the delivery carrier

For example, if your order is worth €100:

  • You might pay ~€20–€30 in combined VAT, import duty, and handling fees depending on your country.

  • Tip: Visit your national customs website or contact your local customs office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Why These Charges Exist

As the UK is no longer part of the EU’s Customs Union, goods moving between the UK and EU now follow international shipping protocols. These fees help cover government tax obligations and the administrative costs of processing cross-border deliveries.

Can I Prepay Duties and Taxes?

At this time, we do not offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) shipping. This means duties and VAT cannot be prepaid at checkout — all import charges must be settled directly with customs or the courier in your country.

Refusing to Pay Import Charges

If you choose not to pay the required fees and the parcel is returned to us, we will refund your order minus:

  • The original shipping cost

  • Any return-to-sender fees charged to us by the courier

We are unable to refund any goods not returned or packages abandoned at customs.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help. Contact our customer service team at info@hartworkshop.com or visit or send us a DM @hart.workshop.