Last Updated: April 18, 2025

Welcome to Craple! We ship our beautiful, handcrafted items worldwide from India. This page aims to provide essential information about customs duties and import taxes that may apply when you order internationally from us.

Our goal is transparency, but please understand that customs policies and charges are determined by your country’s government. Craple has no control over these charges, cannot predict what they might be, and does not collect them.

Key Information for All International Customers:

  1. Customer Responsibility is Crucial:
    • When ordering from Craple for international delivery, you, the customer, are the importer of record.
    • You are solely and entirely responsible for paying any and all import duties, taxes (like VAT or GST in your country), customs clearance fees, brokerage fees, or other governmental charges levied upon the arrival of your package.
    • These charges are separate from and NOT included in the product prices or shipping costs you pay to Craple at checkout.
  2. Why These Charges Might Occur:
    • Most countries charge fees on imported goods to generate revenue and sometimes to protect local markets. The specific rules, rates, and thresholds vary greatly by country.
  3. How Charges are Determined:
    • Your local customs authority determines if charges are due based on factors like:
      • The type of goods (e.g., handcrafted decor).
      • The declared value of the goods (We are legally required to declare the actual purchase value).
      • The country of origin (India).
      • Your country’s De Minimis Value Threshold (see point 4).
  4. De Minimis Value Thresholds (General Guidance Only):
    • Many countries have a “de minimis” value – a threshold below which duties and/or taxes might not be charged. However, these rules are complex, vary significantly, and can change. Recent VAT reforms in regions like the UK and EU are particularly important.
    • The information below is for general awareness only and is NOT a guarantee. You MUST verify current rules with your local customs authorities. Craple is not responsible for any charges levied, regardless of the order value.
    • USA: Generally allows goods valued up to $800 USD per shipment free of duty and taxes for informal entries.
    • Canada: Has a low threshold of $20 CAD. Goods valued above this may be subject to GST/HST and potentially duty.
    • Australia: Generally allows goods valued up to $1000 AUD free of duty and taxes collected at the border.
    • UK: No VAT-free threshold. UK VAT applies to all imported commercial goods. Customs Duty may apply to goods valued over £135. Since Craple does not collect UK VAT at checkout, you will likely be required to pay VAT (and potentially duty if over £135) directly to customs or the carrier upon import.
    • EU Countries (e.g., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands): No VAT-free threshold. EU VAT applies to all imported commercial goods. Customs Duty may apply to goods valued over €150. Since Craple does not use the EU’s IOSS system for pre-collecting VAT, you will likely be required to pay VAT (and potentially duty if over €150, plus possible carrier handling fees) directly upon import.
    • Disclaimer: This information is indicative and subject to change based on each country’s regulations. Customs authorities make the final determination. Always check with your local customs office for the most accurate information before ordering.
  5. What Happens if Charges Apply?
    • If duties or taxes are payable, the shipping carrier (e.g., DHL, FedEx, your local post office) will typically contact you to inform you of the amount due and how to pay. Payment is usually required before the package can be delivered.
    • Failure to pay these required charges may result in:
      • Your package being held indefinitely by customs.
      • Your package being returned to Craple (Note: you may be liable for return shipping costs, and original shipping costs paid to Craple are non-refundable).
      • Your package being abandoned or destroyed by customs authorities.
    • Important: As stated in our Terms and Conditions and Shipping Policy, Craple will not issue refunds for orders that are refused by the customer or returned due to non-payment of customs fees, duties, or taxes.

What Craple Does:

  • Accurate Customs Declarations: We comply with all laws by accurately declaring the contents and true value of your order on customs forms. We cannot under-declare values or mark shipments as “gifts” to bypass customs regulations.
  • Quality Packaging: We package your items securely to protect them during international transit.
  • Reliable Shipping Partners: We partner with reputable international carriers (like DHL, FedEx, Aramex, etc.) known for handling customs procedures efficiently.
  • Order Tracking: We provide tracking information so you can monitor your shipment’s progress.

Our Strong Recommendation:

To ensure a smooth delivery and avoid unexpected costs, we strongly advise you to:

  • Contact your local customs office or check their official website before placing your order. Inquire about potential duties, taxes (VAT/GST), and fees for handcrafted goods imported from India.
  • Understand your country’s current de minimis thresholds and VAT regulations.

A Note on Specific Trade Policies (e.g., U.S. Tariffs):

International trade policies can sometimes change. While the standard de minimis rules cover most individual consumer orders, specific tariffs on certain goods or from certain origins can occasionally be implemented by governments. It is the importer’s (your) responsibility to be aware of any such specific regulations applicable in your country at the time of purchase. For customers concerned about specific U.S. tariffs beyond standard import duties, please consult official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) resources.

We’re Here to Help (with Shipping Info)!

Our goal is for you to receive your Craple order without hassle. Understanding the customs process is key. While we cannot provide specific advice on duties or taxes for your country, we are happy to answer general questions about our products or the shipping process itself.

Thank you for understanding these international shipping requirements!