How does importing outside the EU work?

1. Ordering without VAT

When you enter your address outside the EU during checkout, the Dutch VAT (21%) is automatically deducted from the total amount. You only pay Celtic WebMerchant the price of the product and the shipping costs.

2. Arrival in your country (Customs)

Once your package reaches the border of your country, it is handed over to customs. They check the contents and value of the package. During this process, the tracking often remains at the status 'In clearance' or 'At customs' for several days (on average two weeks). This is a standard procedure.

3. Paying import costs

Before the delivery service can deliver the package to you, you must pay the local taxes. This usually consists of:

• VAT: The sales tax applicable in your own country.
• Import duties: A percentage of the value (this often applies only above a certain amount).
• Handling fees: A fee charged by the delivery service for handling the customs declaration.

Check import costs in advance

When you order from us from outside the European Union, it is important that you inform yourself well in advance about the applicable rules in your country.

• Check import duties yourself: Check in advance for the products you want to buy what the exact import duties and taxes are for your country. The percentages can vary greatly per product category (such as clothing, steel, or leather).
• No exceptions afterwards: You are fully responsible for this research. You cannot later claim that you were unaware that the costs were higher than expected. A refusal to pay the costs is not accepted by us as a valid reason for a return shipment.

4. How do you pay these costs?

The delivery service (for example, UPS, DHL, or your local postal company) will contact you once the costs are known.

• You often receive an email or SMS with a payment link.
• Sometimes you have to pay at the door to the courier.
• Note: The package will only be delivered after the payment is made. If you do not respond, the delivery company will start calculating storage costs. These are at your expense. Check your tracking daily; if you receive a notification about payment and have not received an email, check your spam box or contact the delivery service.

Important points of attention

• Local legislation: You are responsible for ensuring that the product is allowed in your country. If customs reject a product because it violates local law (for example, certain knives or weapon reproductions), the costs for confiscation or destruction are at your own risk.
• Return in case of non-payment: If you do not pay the import costs, the package will eventually be returned to us. The shipping costs incurred and any return costs from customs will be deducted from your refund.

Tip: Check in advance on the website of your national government or customs with which percentages you need to take into account, so you are not faced with surprises.