Customs is the least predictable part of shopping through Mulebuy. Some buyers never see a fee, others get stung with an unexpected invoice. This guide sets expectations by country so nothing surprises you.
United States
The de minimis is $800 per shipment. Personal Mulebuy orders almost never cross this threshold on a single parcel, so US buyers rarely pay duty. If you consolidate a huge haul over $800, expect a customs entry.
United Kingdom
The UK removed the low-value VAT exemption in 2021. Every parcel over £39 attracts 20% VAT plus a Royal Mail handling fee of £8-12. Some Mulebuy carriers include VAT in the shipping quote (marked “DDP”); most do not. Check the label before you buy.
European Union
Every commercial import into the EU is VAT-liable from the first euro. National rates: Germany 19%, France 20%, Spain 21%, Italy 22%, Netherlands 21%. Local postal services collect it at delivery. Small parcels below EUR 150 are duty-free but still VAT-liable.
Canada
Duty and GST/HST kick in on shipments over CAD 20 (couriers) or CAD 40 (postal). Rates run 5-15% depending on your province. Canada Post charges a CAD 9.95 handling fee on top.
Australia
GST (10%) applies to imports over AUD 1,000 for parcels shipped as “personal use”. Under that threshold, GST is technically collected at checkout by registered platforms – Mulebuy usually adds this line item automatically.
Reducing Customs Risk
- Pick a sensitive shipping line for high-risk items – the packaging is more discreet.
- Consolidate to reduce per-parcel handling fees.
- Ask Mulebuy to declare a realistic (but not inflated) product value in the notes box.
- Avoid express carriers when total value is high – postal networks apply a simpler VAT process in most countries.
If a Parcel Is Held
Customs holds are rare on properly-packaged Mulebuy parcels. If it happens, respond to the release request from the courier, pay any due VAT, and delivery resumes in a few days. Do not ignore the notice – after 30 days the parcel is returned or destroyed.
Not sure if you should even consolidate this round? Read the Mulebuy shipping guide comparison or return to the best Mulebuy spreadsheet hub to trim your haul. New here? Start with the How to Buy on Mulebuy or Mulebuyfinds home.
Continue reading: return to the Mulebuyfinds home, browse the best Mulebuy spreadsheet hub, or check the Mulebuy shipping guide. Ready to order? Open the Mulebuy sheet on FCsheet.