Czech Republic Import Duties & Taxes Explained

There is no VAT threshold for commercial shipments to the Czech Republic. Since July 2021, the 21% import VAT applies to all shipments from outside the EU, regardless of value.

The duty-free allowance for Customs Duty in Czech Republic is €150 (approximately 3,800 CZK) for most consumer goods. However, Import VAT at 21% applies to all commercial shipments regardless of value, with no minimum threshold.

Import duty in the Czech Republic generally applies to shipments over €150, with rates ranging from 0% to 17% depending on the product category. Your shipment will also face 21% import VAT on all commercial goods from the US, plus a carrier handling fee of approximately 300-500 CZK.

Import VAT is calculated on the CIF value (item cost + shipping + insurance) plus any applicable customs duty. This means your total tax bill includes both the product value and the shipping costs.

Yes, express carriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS charge a handling fee for advancing duties and taxes on your behalf. These fees typically range from 300 CZK to 500 CZK for standard personal imports.

The Czech Customs Administration (*Celní správa ČR*) determines and assesses the charges, but the carrier usually collects them from you upon delivery. You will pay the carrier directly before receiving your package.

Yes, Czech customs uses the CIF method, meaning the taxable value includes the item cost, insurance, and shipping fees. If shipping costs are not clearly stated, customs may estimate them using standard rates.

Non-commercial shipments between private individuals may be exempt from VAT and duty if the value is below €45. This exemption does not apply to purchases from online stores forwarded through Stackry.