How to calculate duty on DHL and FedEx cargo in advance: what affects the amount

Why it is better to calculate duty on DHL and FedEx cargo before shipping

The amount of customs payments depends not only on the value of the goods, but also on how they are described in the documents, who the recipient is and which documents accompany the shipment. If these details are clarified only after arrival, the cargo may be delayed and costs may rise.

That is why even a small parcel is better agreed with a broker before shipping. Sending a shipment of any weight, from 0.1 kg, without consulting a broker significantly increases the risk of delay and additional costs — even if its value is below 150 EUR. More on the typical causes of delays — in the article "Customs clearance on DHL or FedEx failed: what businesses should do".

What data is needed to calculate duty

For a broker to estimate customs payments in advance, prepare:

• an invoice with the value of the goods, currency and delivery terms;
• an exact description of the goods — what it is, what it is made of and what it is for (generic wording such as "spare parts" or "samples" is not suitable);
• the recipient's status — a company (LLC), a sole proprietor (FOP) or a private individual;
• a contract or documents for free-of-charge delivery if these are samples;
• the weight and number of pieces — they affect the delivery cost, which is also part of the total costs.

The description of the goods is used to determine their UKTZED (Ukrainian Classification of Goods for Foreign Economic Activity) code, and the code determines the rates and possible permit requirements. That is why an inaccurate or overly generic description is the most common reason a preliminary calculation does not match the actual one.

Private individuals and companies: different rules

For private individuals, a 150 EUR threshold applies: a shipment worth up to 150 EUR clears without customs payments. If the value is higher, 10% duty is paid on the amount of the excess plus 20% VAT.

For companies and sole proprietors (FOPs), the 150 EUR threshold applies to the entire customs value: goods + delivery + other invoice costs, at the exchange rate on the day of arrival. If the shipment is on CPT Ukraine terms and the total does not exceed 150 EUR, and the goods do not require permits, the cargo can pass without a declaration. Details are in the article "Invoices under 150 EUR for business: CPT terms and customs value".

Repair shipments are a separate case. A special customs procedure exists for them that may help avoid paying duty twice, but only with the correct documents and contract. Here a consultation before shipping is especially important; it is impossible to guarantee the outcome without checking the documents.

Customs payments and the cost of clearance are different things

When calculating the shipment budget, separate two components:

1. 1Customs payments — duty and VAT paid to the state. They are calculated separately for each shipment.
2. 2The cost of the customs clearance service. According to SEMERO, it is 5000 UAH for legal entities and sole proprietors (FOPs) and 2000 UAH for private individuals; clearance takes 1 day.

Also take storage into account: at the SEMERO customs warehouse, cargo is stored free of charge for 3 days, then storage is charged. This is not the same as the 30 days during which customs holds uncleared cargo free of charge — these are different periods and should not be confused. The process is described step by step in the article "DHL and FedEx cargo customs clearance: step by step for business".

How to get a preliminary calculation from SEMERO

SEMERO is a customs broker with its own licence UACBR125000640. Customs clearance of DHL and FedEx cargo is carried out through the Kyiv hub. SEMERO offices operate in Kyiv, Mukachevo and Uzhhorod; in other cities, collection and delivery are handled by the carrier's representative offices.

You order exactly the service you need:

• customs clearance only for DHL or FedEx cargo — if the supplier has already arranged the delivery;
• delivery booking only with DHL or FedEx — if you handle clearance yourself or through your own broker;
• a package — delivery together with customs clearance.

If you regularly receive or send samples, also see the samples delivery service. And for how a broker with its own licence differs from an intermediary, see the article "DHL and FedEx customs broker for business".

Typical mistakes when calculating on your own

• Applying the 150 EUR threshold to a company. This threshold applies to private individuals.
• An understated or inaccurate value in the invoice. Discrepancies between documents are a direct cause of delay.
• A generic description of the goods. Without an exact description, the code and rates cannot be determined correctly.
• Shipping without consultation. Even a light parcel may be delayed without a preliminary check of the documents.

Calculate the duty before shipping

Send the invoice and a description of the goods — a SEMERO broker will estimate the customs payments and tell you which documents are needed. Contact us via the contacts page — form, WhatsApp or phone — to get a cost calculation.

Frequently asked questions