International Shipping, Export, Import & Tax Guide

At WatchPlaza.com, we proudly ship worldwide from the Netherlands. This guide explains what international customers can expect regarding taxes, duties, and delivery, depending on your location.

🇪🇺 European Union – Tax Included

We are based in the Netherlands, and all orders within the EU are:

✅ Shipped with 21% Dutch VAT included
✅ No import duties or customs procedures
🚚 Fast delivery via DHL, PostNL or other reliable carriers

This applies to customers in countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and all other EU member states.

🇺🇸 United States – $800 De Minimis Rule - NOT APPLICABLE ANYMORE FROM 29 AUGUST 2025

What Is the U.S. De Minimis Rule?

The U.S. de minimis rule allows goods with a value of $800 USD or less to enter the United States free of import duties, taxes, and customs fees. It applies per recipient, per day, and is codified under Section 321(a)(2)(C) of the U.S. Tariff Act.

Benefits for WatchPlaza Customers:

✅ No import duties or taxes on orders ≤ $800
✅ No broker or customs fees
✅ Applies to both consumers and businesses
✅ Fast, hassle-free delivery

Note: Goods originating from China or Hong Kong are excluded from this rule as of May 2, 2025.

Fortunately, the majority of our products are not manufactured in China.
If an item is made in China or Hong Kong, we always clearly mention this in the product description and specifications.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – VAT & Duties

Post-Brexit, the UK treats EU imports like those from non-EU countries. Here's how it works:

🧾 Orders under £135: UK VAT is collected at checkout (we charge it directly via IOSS or UK VAT registration)
📦 Orders over £135: UK customs may charge VAT + import duty
⚠️ WatchPlaza strives to simplify this with accurate invoicing and customs declarations

🇦🇺 Australia – GST & Thresholds

Australia has no de minimis for tax-free imports:

🇦🇺 10% GST (Goods & Services Tax) applies to all imports
Customers will pay 10% GST and any applicable import duties upon receipt of the package.

🇨🇦 Canada – Duties & Handling Fees

Canada applies both GST/HST and import duties:

WatchPlaza does not collect any GST/HST at checkout.
📦 Shipments over CA$20: GST (5–15%) + possible duties
💰 Carriers like Canada Post or DHL may charge handling/brokerage fees

We recommend our customers to check local rules or opt for prepaid taxes where possible.

🇨🇭 Switzerland – VAT & Customs

Switzerland is not in the EU, and has its own customs rules:

🧾 Swiss VAT (7.7%) may be charged at import
💰 Customs clearance and admin fees may be added by carriers (e.g., Swiss Post or DHL)
✅ WatchPlaza declares goods clearly to avoid delays

🌎 Other International Destinations

We ship worldwide, including:

🇯🇵 Japan
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇦🇪 UAE
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇮🇳 India
🇵🇭 Philippines

⚠️ Local import taxes or duties may apply depending on the destination country. WatchPlaza provides full and accurate customs declarations to help facilitate a smooth process.

Summary Table

Region	Import duties	GST/HST Collected	Extra Delivery Costs (Import Duties and VAT paid upon receipt)?
VS (≤ $800)	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes
VK (≤ £135)	❌ No	✅ At checkout (via IOSS or UK VAT registration)	❌ If prepaid
Australia (≥ AUD$1,000)	❌ No	❌ 10% GST (Australia)	✅ Upon receipt (GST and import duties are collected locally by customs)
Canada (≥ CA$20)	❌ No	❌ GST/HST (Canada)	✅ Upon receipt (GST/HST and import duties are collected locally by customs)
EU	❌ No	✅ Included (21% Dutch VAT)	❌ None
Switzerland	✅ Possible	❌ Upon receipt (VAT collected upon receipt, import duties may apply)	✅ Carrier may charge customs and administrative fees
Norway	✅ Yes	❌ Upon receipt (25% Norwegian VAT)	✅ Upon receipt (import duties and VAT are collected locally by customs)
Other Countries	✅ Possible	✅/❌ Varies	✅ Often applies (depending on local customs regulations)