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International Orders & Import Charges

We ship LED lighting products worldwide. International orders are supplied exclusive of UK VAT, which can save you up to 20% compared to UK prices. However, you may be liable for import duties and local taxes in your country.

✅ VAT-Free — No UK VAT charged on international orders

⚠️ Import Charges — You may owe duties/taxes on arrival

📦 DAP Shipping — Delivered At Place (you handle customs)


🇬🇧 UK VAT: What It Means for You

When you order from outside the UK, we don't charge UK VAT (20%) on your order. This is automatically removed at checkout when you enter a non-UK delivery address.

However, this doesn't mean your order is tax-free. Your country will likely charge:

  • Import duty — A percentage based on the product type
  • Local VAT/sales tax — At your country's rate
  • Customs handling fees — Charged by the courier or postal service

⚠️ Important: These charges are your responsibility and are not included in the prices shown on our website. We cannot predict what they will be as they vary by country.


📦 What is DAP Shipping?

All international orders are shipped on a Delivered At Place (DAP) basis. In plain English, this means:

✅ We Handle

  • Packing your order
  • Export paperwork
  • Shipping to your country
  • Delivery to your address

⚠️ You Handle

  • Import duties
  • Local VAT/taxes
  • Customs clearance fees
  • Any broker charges

🇪🇺 Orders to the European Union

Since Brexit, orders to EU countries are treated the same as other international destinations. You will likely pay:

  • Import duty — Typically 0-4% for LED lighting products
  • Local VAT — At your country's rate (e.g., 21% Germany, 20% France, 23% Ireland)
  • Handling fee — Usually €10-25 charged by the courier

💡 Tip: The EU has a €150 threshold for customs duties. Below this, you typically only pay VAT. Check with your local customs office for current thresholds.


🏝️ Channel Islands, Isle of Man & Gibraltar

These territories are outside the UK VAT area, so orders are VAT-free. However, you may still be liable for local import charges depending on the value of your order.


🌍 Rest of World

We ship to most countries worldwide. Import duties and taxes vary significantly — we recommend checking with your local customs authority before ordering.

Region Typical Delivery Time
Europe (EU) 3-5 working days
USA & Canada 5-10 working days
Australia & New Zealand 7-14 working days
Rest of World 7-21 working days

Delivery times are estimates and exclude customs clearance delays.


❓ What Happens If I Don't Pay Import Charges?

If you refuse to pay import duties or taxes when your parcel arrives:

❌ Delays — Your parcel will be held at customs

❌ Return — The parcel may be sent back to us (at your cost)

❌ Disposal — Customs may dispose of the goods

❌ No refund — We cannot refund orders lost due to unpaid import charges


✅ Before You Order: Checklist

Check your country's import duty rates for LED lighting products

Find out your local VAT/sales tax rate

Budget for courier handling/clearance fees (typically €10-30)

Ensure you have the correct delivery address including postal/zip code

Provide a contact phone number for the courier


❓ Common Questions

Will I pay VAT twice?
No. We remove UK VAT from your order, so you only pay your local VAT/taxes. You won't be double-taxed.
Can you mark the parcel as a gift or lower value?
No. This is customs fraud and illegal. We declare the true value and description of all shipments.
Can I get a quote for total landed cost?
Unfortunately, we cannot calculate your import charges as they depend on your country's rates and thresholds. Contact your local customs authority for guidance.
Do you ship to [my country]?
We ship to most countries. Add items to your basket and enter your address at checkout to see available shipping options and costs. If your country isn't available, contact us for a quote.
What if my order is held at customs?
The courier will contact you with payment details for any import charges. Pay promptly to avoid storage fees or return of the goods. Once cleared, delivery will continue to your address.

📚 Related Guides

🌍 Questions About International Orders?

Our team can provide shipping quotes and answer questions.

📞 0113 252 4706  |  ✉️ sales@weloveleds.co.uk

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