The reason for tightening the limits of duty-free import of goods was a significant increase in the volume of import of goods on a commercial scale to individuals without paying customs duties. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Belarus Vladimir Orlovsky in the program "Contours" on the ONT TV channel, TUT.BY reports. The representative of the State Customs Committee cited statistics on the volume of international postal items imported into Belarus.
“90% of Belarusians do not receive parcels. More than 250 thousand Belarusians received about 10 parcels a year, and 2.5 thousand Belarusians - more than 100,” he said.Orlovsky also stressed that the limit "22 euros - parcel, 300 - import" is similar to the norm applied in a number of EU member states.
“This is an established practice in the European Union. Most EU countries have set standards of 22 euros for duty-free importation in goods transported by international mail. These are such countries as Germany, Italy, Czech Republic. Moreover, there are more stringent rules - in China, only 7 euros. In some countries - France, Sweden, there is no duty-free import at all, any parcel implies the payment of a tax," he stressed.The Deputy Chairman of the State Border Committee also announced the date when Presidential Decree No. 40 of February 11, 2016 will come into force.
“It will happen on April 14 this year,” he said. He noted that the two-month period between the publication of the decree and its entry into force was made so that the Belarusians could receive the ordered goods without paying duties.Recall that Decree No. 40 established a reduction in the rate of duty-free importation of goods for personal use sent in international mail and (or) express cargo to one recipient from 200 euros and 31 kg to 22 euros and 10 kg during the calendar month. The decree also stipulates that if goods are imported into Belarus more than once every three months, goods worth more than 300 euros and (or) weighing more than 20 kg will not be classified as goods for personal use. At the same time, the norms of duty-free import of goods of 1,500 euros and 50 kg continue to operate. At the same time, the popular Russian website ShopFans offered Belarusians a Moscow address for ordering goods from the Internet (from China, Europe, the USA, etc.) without paying a fee for up to 1,000 euros. The service of receiving / processing orders is 3-5 dollars, depending on the weight, and then you will need to pay for more delivery to Minsk.
The cost of delivery from Moscow to Minsk depends on the weight: delivery of a parcel weighing 0-7.5 kg will cost 4-20 dollars, up to 15 kg - 21-32 dollars, up to 22.5 kg - 33-43 dollars, 22.5- 30 kg - 43-50 dollars. The limit on the value / weight of parcels is 1000 euros / 31 kilograms.
From April 14, 2016 in the Republic of Belarus, the norms for duty-free receipt of goods in postal items have changed. Without paying customs duties, one person is allowed to receive property worth no more than 22 euros and weighing up to 10 kilograms. Parcels that do not fit within the established limit are not prohibited, however, the amount of exceeding the permissible norms is subject to customs duties, in addition, the payment of a fixed customs fee becomes mandatory.
The above restrictions are established in the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 40 dated February 11, 2016.
Parcel payments individuals exceeding the established norms are paid in the same way as commercial consignments of goods. At the moment, the amount of customs duty is (in most cases) 30% of the cost, but not less than 4 euros per 1 kg of weight in terms of exceeding the cost and (or) weight norms. The amount of the customs fee depends on the type of goods, for example, you will have to pay 5 euros for a phone.
The calculation mechanism can be visualized as a simple arithmetic problem:
- Parcel cost: 100 euros;
- Amount exceeding the limit: 100 - 22 = 78 euros;
- 30% of 78 euros = 23.4 euros;
- Customs fee - 5 euros;
- Total: 23.4 + 5 = 28.4 euros.
In case of exceeding the limit by weight, but not by value, the calculation is even simpler: 4 euros for each kilogram in excess of 10 allowed.
The recipient of the parcel will be able to learn about the accrued customs payments from the telecom operator. You can also pay them at the post office upon receipt of the goods.
Limits and duties on parcels are usually considered as a kind of protective measures to protect the domestic market from cheaper imported goods, as well as a way of taxing citizens who purchase commercial consignments of goods under the guise of things for personal use. All the introduced restrictions are directed mainly against online stores of far-abroad countries. However, officially all parcels from abroad are in the same position, i.e. even gifts from foreign relatives may be subject to duties and taxes.
Here it is worth warning that the deliberate underestimation of the cost of the parcel becomes at least a thankless task. Customs authorities have sufficient information about the price range of most common goods
The opinion that postal items from abroad harm the domestic and contribute to illegal enrichment was expressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich, a few months before the signing of Decree No. 40. Such statements met with a lot of criticism. In particular, it was stated that 80-90% of Belarusians do not receive parcels from abroad. That a significant part of imported goods arriving by mail is not produced in the Republic. And finally, they reminded of the "transparency" of the internal borders of the Customs Union. Thanks to this, recipients of commercial consignments of goods or simply expensive parcels can order them to an address in Russia or another country of the Customs Union (where the cost limits are hundreds of times higher) and pay for shipping services to Belarus. An increase in revenue due to the new rules has not yet been reported. According to online surveys, the majority of respondents intend to give up expensive parcels from abroad. This does not guarantee a commensurate increase in budget revenues, but, of course, it is unpleasant for domestic buyers.
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On April 14, Decree No. 40 came into force in Belarus. Now Belarusians will be able to receive parcels worth up to €22 and weighing up to 10 kilograms per month without paying a fee. New limits for those who often travel abroad will be €300 and 20 kilograms. More than three weeks ago, the State Customs Committee answered questions from Onliner.by readers. On the day the decree came into force, we decided to repeat this material.
Parcels
Transportation of goods across the border
How will customs determine the cost of parcels?
Before answering questions about determining the cost of parcels, the State Customs Committee noted that Decree No. 40 did not change anything in terms of determining the customs value of imported goods.
- We emphasize that these norms are valid today, customs officials noted.
How is the State Customs Committee going to determine the cost of parcels? Will you need to provide some information about the actual amount of the purchase or will you track online payments? For example, I ordered goods on AliExpress for $2-3. Upon receipt of the package, on the sticker that was on the package, there was an amount of $ 10 (apparently, this is already taking into account duties and shipping by the seller), and I will find out this final amount only upon receipt of the package, and not when ordering.
The calculation of the customs value is made on the basis of the documents accompanying the parcel, as well as the declared value of the international postal item (IGO), which is indicated by the sender in the documents established by the acts of the Universal Postal Union. If the customs value is not indicated, or if the customs authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the documents and (or) information submitted are not reliable, the official of the customs authority, guided by paragraph 2 of Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union (CC CU), determines the customs value of the goods on the basis of price information available to the customs authority for similar goods, including on the basis of data indicated in the catalogs of foreign companies engaged in retail sale similar goods.
The promotional item was purchased for €20. The parcel arrived in two weeks, a month, and this product is already worth €35 on the site. How will customs evaluate the cost? What facts must be presented?
On AliExpress, for example, the cost of the same product can fluctuate greatly. I recently purchased a $22 item. But you can find the same one for $25, and even for $40. The question is: will the inspector believe my price of $22, or will he just poke at the first one that comes across? Or will he go to the manufacturer's website, where the price of $50 can be indicated at all? (Eugene)
An individual has the right to prove the accuracy of the information submitted to determine the customs value. To do this, he needs to provide documents confirming the declared value (contract, specification, invoice, sales receipt, payment receipt, and so on).
In case of disagreement with the customs value determined by the customs authority for calculating customs payments, the recipient of the goods has the right to provide the customs authority with documents on the basis of which the customs value of the goods being sent can be determined (contract, specification, invoice, sales receipt, payment receipt, etc.). Further).
As additional documents, the customs authority may accept Internet catalogs with publicly posted information on the cost of goods sent, printouts of bank transfer pages, etc.
And if I do not agree with the cost of the parcel, can I dispute it?
If the cost and weight limits were not exceeded during the issuance of the MPO and this MPO was issued by the postal operator to the recipient, the customs value of such goods cannot subsequently be revised.
But if the recipient does not agree with the cost indicated by the sender, he has the right not to receive such an IGO and inform the postal operator of the need to return him to the place (institution) of international postal exchange where the release was carried out. After that, the recipient can apply in writing to the customs authority and attach the original documents confirming the value of the goods being sent.
What import standards will be applied to international postal items ordered before the adoption of Decree No. 40, but arrived in the Republic of Belarus after the entry into force new edition decree number 360?
The date of registration of documents submitted in accordance with the customs legislation of the EAEU for the placement of such goods for temporary storage is taken into account.
Thus, the norms of Decree No. 40 will apply to international postal items placed in temporary storage from 04/14/2016.
For goods imported into the IGO and placed in temporary storage until April 13 (inclusive), duty-free import norms of €200 and 31 kilograms are applied.
If the amount is indicated in Russian rubles, then at what rate will the conversion into euros be carried out? Will it be necessary to pay a duty if during the delivery of the goods the amount exceeded the limit due to the growth of the Russian ruble against the euro? (Kristina Malinovskaya)
The exchange rates of the US dollar and euro against the currency of the EAEU member state are calculated on the day of registration of the customs receipt order.
Will duties be charged on parcels that were sent, for example, in March, but will arrive after April 14? (Vadim)
Yes, they will, if the customs value of the goods sent exceeds the duty-free import rates established by Decree No. 40.
Is it possible to order parcels to one address, but to several family members?
Good afternoon. For now, a few questions. Will it not be considered as exceeding the limit if I order goods from China, paying for it with my card, to the same address for each of the family members: son (6 years old), mother, me. Can I order for €22 per month for each of them?
The specified norm is calculated for each recipient upon receipt of goods to his address.
Is it possible to order several parcels per month for one person duty-free, so that the total amount is no more than €22 per month, or will it be possible to order only one parcel? Thank you in advance. (Olga Belskaya)
You can order several parcels if the total cost limits (€22) and weight limits (10 kilograms) are not exceeded.
I ordered a $100 item in January (when I was unaware of the tax). The goods went for a long time, got to customs - and already new limits. Is it possible to refuse the goods and not pay? (Alyaksey)
In case of refusal to receive the goods, the goods will be sent back, customs payments in this case are not subject to payment.
Do I have to pay duty on gifts?
How parcels (gifts) from abroad (USA) from close relatives will be taxed. How much can they send gifts and how often? (Anatoly Shumko)
I thought about sending parcels to my mother and sister, since you can’t buy much from us. How will this law work here if it is my help? (Vadim)
Decree No. 40 does not provide for any features (separate norms) for sending this category of goods (gifts). If in aggregate the amount equivalent to €22 and the total weight of 10 kilograms are exceeded, they will be subject to customs duties at the rate of 30% of the customs value in terms of the excess, but not less than €4 per 1 kilogram.
How will the fees be calculated if the limits are exceeded?
Goods whose customs value exceeds €22 and/or whose weight exceeds 10 kilograms will be subject to customs duties. For example, on Amazon.com I ordered an external WD hard drive for $90 (or €82) - a little more than 4 times the excess. What fee will have to be paid in this case? (Lesha Gorenkov)
With regard to goods for personal use sent to the IGO and or delivered by the carrier within a calendar month to the address of an individual - the recipient of the goods, in terms of exceeding the norms of duty-free import established by Decree No. 40, customs payments will be subject to payment at the rate of 30% of the customs value of goods, but not less than €4 per 1 kilogram.
If the value of goods sent to the IGO for personal use is $90 (which is equivalent to €82) and the weight does not exceed 10 kilograms, and no other goods were sent to the address of this individual during the calendar month, then the amount of customs duties payable will be calculated as follows : (€82 − €22) × 30% + €5 (customs fee for customs operations) - and will be €23.
The item costs $34 and shipping from the US is $98. Weight - 8 kilograms. How much will the fee be charged? (Yuri Sobol)
In accordance with part two of paragraph 1 of Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union, when goods are imported for personal use by individuals into the customs territory of the EAEU, the customs value of goods does not include the costs of transportation and insurance of goods before their arrival and after their arrival in such territory.
The amount of customs duties payable will be €8.1: ($34 × 20,980 (dollar to Belarusian ruble) / 22,100 (Belarusian ruble to euro)) − €22) × 30% + €5 (customs duty) = € 8.09.
How are additional duties calculated for multiple parcels? For example: ordered three parcels of the equivalent value of €22, €5 and €1. They all come at different times, but in one month. We pick up a parcel for €22 without any problems. What will happen to the rest? What duties and fees will have to be paid upon receipt of the remaining two? Specifically, I am interested in the issue of a customs fee of € 5 and payment for postal services in connection with this. (Savchenko Evgeny)
Suppose that all three parcels weigh up to 10 kilograms. After the duty-free issuance of an IGO worth €22, in respect of subsequent IGOs received by the same individual, customs duties and customs fees are due for customs operations when issuing each IGO.
In respect of the second IGO, customs duties of €6.5 will be payable: €5 (customs value of goods) × 30% + €5 (customs duty).
The amount of customs payments in respect of the third IGO will be €5.3: €1 × 30% + €5.
Does the amount of €22 include the cost of delivery (for example, the product itself costs €2, and the cost of sending (EMS to Belarus) - €35)?
No, shipping costs are not included.
Where to pay duties and fees on parcels?
Hello, please ask the question of the State Customs Committee: how to pay the duty? That is, will it be possible to pay directly at the post office or will it be necessary to go somewhere? And what about those who do not live in Minsk?
Customs payments are payable by the recipient at the post office where the IGO will be issued. Informing the recipient about the need to pay customs duties is carried out by the postal operator.
How do I know that customs has a package for me (no tracking number)? Is there an option to view somewhere on the Internet by phone number and address?
To obtain information about the delivery of MPS to the Republic of Belarus, its presentation to the customs authority, the number of MPS received by the recipient during the calendar month, their cost and weight, you must contact the national postal operator - RUE "Belpochta".
It turns out that, having ordered one parcel worth €22, I will be able to receive the next one only in a month. But how do I know how long the package will take? She can be in Minsk either in a week or in a month or more. And if another parcel of the same value arrives, but ordered a month later? Pay a fee? (Maxim Zelkovsky)
Decree No. 360 determines that in order to control compliance with the import standards for goods sent to the MPO, exempted from customs payments, the customs authorities take into account the date of registration of the MPO at the temporary storage warehouse.
Do I need to pay duties on parcels from Russia and Kazakhstan?
Are these limits imposed on parcels from the SES countries - Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan (are the SES countries considered abroad)? (Denis Gulin)
It should be assumed that your question is about IGOs sent between the member states of the EAEU, which currently includes the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation.
In this case, such IGOs are considered intra-Union postal items, are not subject to customs control, and customs operations are not performed in relation to them. And customs payments are not paid.
What is the parcel limit for minors?
I ask you to clarify the possibility of receiving parcels with an estimated value of up to €22 and a weight of up to 10 kilograms by minor citizens of the Republic of Belarus. Are they eligible recipients? If not, please clarify this issue from the point of view of the Tax Code of the Republic of Belarus. What will happen to shipments to them? Which persons will be authorized to make additional payments in the event that the customs authorities of Belarus accrue such payments on parcels sent to children? (Vereshchagin P. A.)
These persons may act as recipients of goods sent to the IGO. The rate of duty-free importation of goods will be calculated for each recipient upon receipt of goods to his address.
In accordance with paragraph four of part three of clause 3 of Article 8 of the Agreement on the procedure for the movement by individuals of goods for personal use across the customs border of the Customs Union and the performance of customs operations related to their release, dated June 18, 2010, by the declarant of goods for personal use sent to the IGO, is the sender.
At the same time, Article 316 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union does not define who is obliged to make customs payments in respect of goods sent to the IGO. In connection with the above, a person who is entitled to receive such an IGO is entitled to make customs payments accrued by the customs authority.
How to transport "used" things across the border?
If I travel abroad more than once every three months with a laptop worth at least €300, do I need to declare it every time? That is, every time to go through a crowded red corridor? Or will it be necessary to somehow prove to the customs officer upon returning home that this laptop belongs to me and I did not buy it abroad? (Vitaly)
What is the algorithm for the import/export of personal belongings? (I suspect that there is nothing in the laws about the purpose of the trip.) To declare all clothes, a camera, a laptop every time you leave the Republic of Belarus? It’s just that with a limit of 20 kilograms, it’s more or less clear, but the cost is € 300 ... Will it not turn out that some customs officer will “shoot” in the head with the idea that my things (albeit second-hand ones) cost more in total? (Daria)
Approaches to the assessment of new and used goods have not changed. The restrictions imposed by Decree No. 40 do not apply to used goods imported back in unchanged condition (except for normal wear and tear) after export, if their value does not exceed €1,500 and the total weight does not exceed 50 kilograms.
In the event that a declaration was made upon departure, a passenger customs declaration filled out upon export may be provided. If no declaration was made at the time of departure, then within the framework of customs control.
I live permanently in Lithuania, I have a temporary residence permit. However, it will soon end, and I will need to return to Belarus. For all the years that I have been living abroad, I have “overgrown” with things, including expensive equipment. How can I transport all this painlessly for my budget?
Benefits for persons returning (moving) to a permanent place of residence in the Republic of Belarus are subject to the conditions stipulated by the international treaty of the Republic of Belarus. Regulations on this issue are posted on the website of the State Customs Committee.
Decree No. 40 does not apply to this category of persons.
I travel often and without shopping, why can't I buy for €1500 later?
Let's say I went abroad a week ago, or 15 times in the last three months, but didn't import anything. Why should I be subject to restrictions of €300 and 20 kilos? After all, the decree clearly states that goods will not be classified as goods for personal use if they are imported more than once every three calendar months. (Dmitry Akhrem)
When applying the norms of Decree No. 40, customs officers will take into account each crossing by an individual of the Belarusian section of the external border of the EAEU (with the exception of air transport), and not the import of goods.
When does the countdown of three months start when crossing the border?
The countdown of three months will start after trips from April 14, or if you returned to Belarus on March 30, and then wanted to go on April 15, then the countdown will start from March 30? (Alexander Alexeychuk)
The provisions of Decree No. 40 apply from 04/14/2016. The countdown of three calendar months starts from this date.
For example, if an individual imports goods for personal use on 14.04.2016, the cost and weight characteristics for classifying goods as goods for personal use (€300 and 20 kilograms) will not apply when importing goods from 01.07.2016.
When can I exceed the limit of €300 and 20 kilograms? And are there any exceptions?
Can I bring a purchase worth more than €300 from abroad if I have to travel there weekly for work (driver on international routes)?
If a person works abroad and crosses it often, it turns out that he will not be able to bring himself some kind of household appliances without customs payments?
Will there be exceptions for those who often travel abroad for work? (Anastasia)
Decree No. 40 does not regulate legal relations related to the departure of persons, the purpose or duration of such a departure. Regardless of the reason for which a citizen goes abroad (business trip, trip, visiting relatives, etc.), when importing goods more than once every three months, goods for personal use will be classified as goods worth no more than €300 and weighing no more than 20 kilograms.
These norms do not include used goods that were previously exported and imported by citizens back in unchanged condition (for example, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, etc.), necessary for staying abroad.
However, the movement of goods by air not taken into account by the customs authorities for the purposes of applying the decree.
How will they check the excess of the €300 limit for those who travel abroad more than three times a month?
My mother lives in Ukraine (in the Kyiv region), we go to her family at least twice a month. Well, we are bringing back some products to Gomel. So the question is: I drive more than once a quarter. Accordingly, I can carry goods weighing no more than 20 kilograms and costing no more than €300. What should I do if I bring 10 kilograms of cherries, 10 kilograms of sweet cherries and 2 kilograms of beets during the season? How will customs weigh it? What will you have to pay? And how much will the customs clearance time increase if now the customs officers check the car for about 15 minutes? And if I'm traveling by train, how will they check in this case? Will they drop me off for overweight or send me back? Please explain. Thank you.
If you import several items of goods, including types of food, you will independently determine among them goods (food), the total customs value and (or) weight of which does not exceed €300 and 20 kilograms. In this case, since the total weight of cherries, sweet cherries and beets is 22 kilograms, you yourself will determine what is carried in excess.
The time spent by the inspector on customs control (inspection (inspection), weighing and other procedures) depends on the amount of goods being moved and the willingness of the person to facilitate (unload, open the package, give explanations, and so on) the necessary forms of control.
The forms of conducting customs control and the procedure for conducting customs control have not changed.
If I carry food, powders, clothes along the green corridor, and the total weight is more than 20 kilograms, what will happen in this case? Surcharge? Will they not be sent through the red corridor?
If an individual entering through the customs border of the EAEU in the Republic of Belarus after crossing the line marking the exit (exit) from the green corridor is found to have goods in excess of the import norm, the actions of such a person are seen as signs of an administrative offense under Article 14.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (non-declaration of goods). The transfer from the green corridor to the red is not provided for by law.
Will minors be taken into account when transporting goods across the border?
Will minors be taken into account when transporting goods across the border? For example, we are traveling as a family of five people: two adults and three children (2, 7 and 10 years old). Will duty-free import be valid for goods worth €1,500 and 100 kilos, or €600 and 40 kilos? (Dmitry Brukhanchik)
Is it possible to declare goods for minor children?
Duty-free import norms apply to goods regardless of the age of the person moving them. The age of a citizen is taken into account only when moving alcoholic products, beer and tobacco products. It should be noted that only adult citizens can import alcohol and tobacco products.
Customs declaration of goods for a person under the age of sixteen is carried out by a person accompanying him (one of the parents, an adoptive parent, guardian or custodian of this person, another person accompanying him or a representative of the carrier in the absence of accompanying persons, and in the event of an organized departure (entry) of a group of minors persons unaccompanied by parents, adoptive parents, guardians or trustees, other persons - by the head of the group or the representative of the carrier).
Will the rules apply to a car or a person? If, for example, the situation is this: my sister drives less than once a month, and I drive more than once a month in the same car?
Duty-free import rules apply to goods transported by a specific citizen, and not by a vehicle.
Is it possible to carry one thing for two?
If two people cross the border in a car, is it possible to carry a TV worth €600, that is, €300 for each person? (Natalia Shumilova)
It should be understood that, in accordance with the law, one unit (set) of goods can only be moved by one person, that is, in this case it will be considered that one TV set is imported by one person.
Will these restrictions be applied if there was a border crossing at the airport, and then a person went by car or train to Lithuania before the expiration of three months?
Will the restrictions imposed by the decree (€300, 20 kilograms) apply if I cross the border of Belarus by car for the first time in a long time, and before that I often (including less than three months ago) crossed the border by plane? (Dmitry Zikratsky)
In accordance with the first part of subparagraph 1.18 of paragraph 1 of Decree No. 360 (as amended by Decree No. 40), goods for personal use do not include goods imported across the customs border of the EAEU in the Republic of Belarus by individuals in accompanied and unaccompanied baggage more than once every three calendar months if the customs value of such goods exceeds the equivalent of €300 and/or the total weight exceeds 20 kilograms.
Thus, for customs purposes, information on the crossing by individuals customs border in the Republic of Belarus (when entering the territory of the Republic of Belarus). At the same time, the number of crossings by an individual of the customs border by air, as well as at checkpoints through the “non-Belarusian” section of the customs border of the EAEU for these purposes is not taken into account.
How to bring things through Russia?
How to properly arrange the transportation of goods purchased in the Kaliningrad region if you travel by land transport in transit through Lithuania/Poland? If I understand correctly, then it should not fall under the decree.
How to pay duties?
Products, powders will also fall under the limit of no more than 20 kilograms? How will products be priced? What if it's overweight? How to pay?
Yes, the provisions of Decree No. 360 (as amended by Decree No. 40) apply to these categories of goods. The procedure for evaluating new and used goods has not changed.
The customs value of goods for personal use is determined in accordance with Article 361 of the Customs Code of the Customs Union. Goods that exceed the cost and (or) weight characteristics specified in the above decree are subject to customs declaration and are subject to customs procedures provided for by the Customs Code of the Customs Union, using a declaration for goods with payment of due customs duties and taxes.
Now in 2020, the so-called tax on parcels from China and other countries to Belarus works clearly and is 100% debugged. The only good news is that Alexander Lukashenko signed Decree No. 490 “On Customs Regulation” on December 22, 2018, which slightly improved the situation for shopaholics.
The new law increases the monthly rate of duty-free importation of goods into Belarus for personal use in international postal items from 22 euros and 10 kg to 200 euros and 31 kg (in total), while maintaining the one-time rate of one item in the amount of 22 euros and 10 kg.
So how much can I buy from abroad?
The one-time limit on one parcel remains the same - up to 22 euros!!! But in total for a month such parcels can be ordered for 200 euros without consequences.
Orders that do not meet the established limit are not prohibited, but the amount exceeding this limit is subject to customs tax. In addition, it will become mandatory to pay a fixed customs fee, usually in the amount of five euros.
What will happen to me if I have exceeded the order limits from AliExpress and other foreign stores?
Payments for parcels to individuals that exceed the total rate of 200 euros per month are considered commercial consignments and are therefore subject to a customs duty of 30% of the excess price.
And do not confuse! Additionally, you have to pay customs duty. Its value depends on the type of product. For example, for a phone you need to pay an extra 5 euros (and for most of your orders, the surcharge will be just that).
Parcel duty calculator
Our Parcel Customs Duty Calculator will easily help you calculate the amount of tax for a single shipment of 22 euros and 10 kg (not to be confused with the new total monthly limit of 200 euros).
Just enter the price for the package and its weight. Please note that all calculations are provided for informational purposes only.
Also, the calculation of customs tax can be easily calculated manually without a calculator for parcels from abroad:
- For example, the price of a parcel: 100 euros and weight: 2 kg (no more than 10 kg);
- Excess: 100 - 22 = 78 euros;
- 30% of the amount received is 23.4 euros;
- Customs fee - 5 euros;
- The final duty on the parcel will be: 23.4 + 5 = 28.4 euros.
If there is an excess in weight, and not in cost, it will be even easier to calculate: 4 euros per 1 kg in excess of 10 allowed. All these restrictions apply to any foreign online stores: Aliexpress, EBay, ASOS, Amazon, iHerb, Shein and many others.
Where and how to pay tax on parcels in Belarus?
You can check with the postal operator about the customs payment. The fee is paid at the very point of issue of RUE "Belpochta".
Limits and duties on parcels in Belarus are a kind of protection for the domestic market from the cheapest imports from China, the USA and other countries. Plus a way of taxing citizens who purchase goods for commercial purposes.
These limits are directed against foreign online stores, so that it was unprofitable to order on the same Aliexpress to Belarus. Moreover, all parcels from far abroad are in this position (even gifts from relatives from abroad are subject to a fee).
Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich spoke about the dangers of foreign mail to the country's economy and that it is illegal enrichment. Such statements met with a lot of criticism, because most of the imported products in Belarus are not produced or even sold.
In the end, they remembered the "transparency" of the internal borders of the Customs Union. Recipients of consignments of commercial goods or expensive parcels will order them to Russia or another country of the Customs Union and pay for shipping to Belarus.
We warn you that deliberately reducing the cost of a parcel is a thankless task. Customs owns the price range of many popular items!
How to track a package from China (and other countries) to Belarus? There is such an opportunity on the official website of Belpochta.
All registered foreign and local postal items are tracked by a special track number.
Postcode marking:
- R-BY (Rx012345675BY) - small correspondence;
- C—BY (Cx012345675BY) – standard package;
- E—BY (Ex012345675BY) – EMS international express mail;
- A-BY (Ax012345675BY) - our internal mail of the Republic of Belarus.
Tracking the parcel on the Belpochta website is very simple. Either we immediately follow this link: https://webservices.belpost.by/searchRu.aspx, or we find the item “Tracking postal items” in the left menu and click on it.
On the page that opens, there is a form for entering the number of the parcel's departure. We enter the track number received on the website of a foreign or local online store, and press the "Search" button.
When do you need to pay duty?
If the status of the parcel contains the inscription “For transfer to customs, it is necessary to clarify the data”, you will have to specify detailed information in the "Form to fill out" field, otherwise the shipment will be sent back to the seller. These data are needed by customs when accounting for shipments received by an individual from abroad within a month within the limit of 200 euros.
Information about the customs check and charging of the fee (30% from the excess of the limit plus 5 euros for paperwork) will be available on the new page.
Watch the video below: How are parcels from abroad checked?
Paid parcel storage
From February 1, 2018, Belpochta offices charge a fee for the storage of international shipments. Information about this is published on their official website.
In case of not claiming any international parcel for more than 7 calendar days in Belpochta offices, you need to pay 0.36 bel. rubles. for each day of delay.
As you know, the duty-free import of parcels from abroad to Belarus is limited to a one-time norm of one shipment in the amount of 22 euros and 10 kg. And in total per month up to 200 euros and 31 kg.
There are 3 popular options to avoid this limit.
1. Ask the seller to indicate a lower price for goods
You can just agree. And the sender will indicate the lowest value for the goods. For example, $20 for a Chinese phone with a real value of $150.
But keep in mind that customs officers evaluate the package in their own way. They calculate the average price of the goods in the country where the parcel came from, and set the current price tag. In this case, an examination will be appointed.
And after it, you still have to pay customs duty on a parcel to Belarus from the same Aliexpress or American Eicherb. But to do this, they will have to open each package, which will delay processing for years to come. That's exactly what no one will do!
2. Order parcels for friends in another country
You can also consider an order for a resident (relative or friend) of the country of the Customs Union ( , ), who will send it to you from there. And these costs will be much lower than the duty.
Or order a parcel to the Russian branch "on demand" somewhere in the border zone of the Smolensk or Bryansk region. Thus, it is possible to bypass the Belarusian limit. Very popular way especially for those who live near Russia.
3. Mail Forwarding came to Belarus together with AlmostPost
Mail Forwarding (or “Your Address Abroad”, hereinafter abbreviated as MF) is a service of using the warehouse address of an intermediary company when making a purchase abroad independently. It is paid, but its price is much less than the fee. Note that the address is selected in the countries of the Customs Union, so as not to pay tax.
Before using one of the tips, remember a simple rule: any attempt to get around the law can turn into trouble.
The best online stores with delivery to Belarus
These are the best shopping malls you don't have to worry about! Your parcels will definitely arrive, there will be no fraud with bank cards and unexpected additional fees during checkout.
- Aliexpress.com is the most popular online store among Belarusians! With Aliexpress, they order clothes, shoes, gadgets, cosmetics, perfumes, toys, jewelry, dishes, household goods and thousands of other items. Aliexpress brings together hundreds of thousands of sellers from different parts of China and other countries, which creates a fierce competition with very low prices for all products. There is both paid and free delivery by AliExpress to Belarus on average 2-4 weeks.
- iHerb.com is the most popular U.S. online store specializing in organic products, vitamins and organic cosmetics of impeccable quality. Regular discounts and the absence of intermediaries when shopping make prices for many goods significantly lower than in local stores. iHerb delivers orders all over the world, including Belarus. Read more about ordering on iHerb.
- shein.com
is one of the world's leading online stores of fashionable clothes and accessories. Shein is an incredible find for girls! Fashionable dresses, tops, skirts, jeans, jewelry - your eyes will run up from a variety of styles, trends, colors and original design solutions. Delivery from the Shein store to Belarus is very fast and economical. See the official website in Russian for all the details. - eBay.com
is a major global online auction with tens of millions of lots simultaneously put up for auction in more than 3,000 categories. eBay has about thirty branches around the world. Forte site - eBay purchase protection system with payment via PayPal. The buyer will be able to return the money for everything, including shipping, if the goods were received in improper condition. - Amazon.com
is the largest hypermarket offering absolutely everything with worldwide delivery from the USA. In the Amazon online store, you can buy both food products and industrial machines for production. Belarusians order Kindle e-books, small household appliances, children's toys, food, household goods, sports equipment and much more.
What do we have? Top 10 popular Belarusian online stores
Among the well-known Belarusian hypermarkets operating online, there are several of the most reliable and time-tested ones. They offer quality products and available methods payment without additional commissions and customs obligations.
Lamoda is one of the most popular clothing and footwear stores in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. The range of goods is quite wide - outerwear, underwear, blouses, tops, skirts, trousers, dresses, shoes and more. The store's catalogs feature various collections of inexpensive and premium brands. Lamoda offers its customers constant discounts and sends a lot of promo codes that pleasantly reduce the prices of goods. Free delivery with fitting at home for up to 7 items.- – a hypermarket of equipment, electronics, goods for cars, gardens and personal hygiene. It has been operating on the Belarusian market for 15 years. Often goods can be purchased at attractive discounts. "21st century" provides its customers with a wide range of payment options - cash, bank transfer, bank cards and installment cards. Delivery of goods in Belarus is free when ordering from 75 rubles. With a smaller purchase amount, the goods will be brought for a fee or you can pick it up from the pickup point for free.
5 Element is a leading home appliances and electronics store with a wide range of products. For regular customers it will be interesting bonus program. The store offers online payment by bank cards, through the ERIP system, cash on delivery or pickup. You can also buy in installments or on credit. Goods over 50 rubles ordered online or by phone will be delivered free of charge in Belarus, or it can be picked up in one of the numerous offline stores of the 5 Element chain.
Kit.by is a large online store of plumbing and related products: bathroom furniture, kitchen products, tiles. There is a nice bonus program. You can pay for ordered goods different ways: online, through ERIP, by bank transfer, in cash upon courier delivery, as well as by installment bank cards. Orders for a large amount are delivered free of charge, for a small amount - for a fee, there is the possibility of pickup in Minsk.
Xiaomi Belarus is a monobrand online store of popular Chinese trademark. It presents a rather modest assortment of fashionable gadgets, accessories and other Xiaomi products. The ordered product can be paid in various ways - in cash, online with a bank card or some installment cards, through ERIP and from an account mobile phone. You can pick up the order at the pickup point, or from the courier - with paid or free delivery.
i-Store is the only official partner Apple in Belarus with Apple Premium Reseller status. By low prices you can buy an iPhone, Mac computer or iPad tablet, as well as other Apple equipment and accessories for it. Pickup free of charge from the i-Store store (Minsk, Lenin St., 5 or Pobediteley Ave., 9 or Pritytskogo St., 156), own delivery by courier in Minsk or delivery throughout Belarus by Autolight Express service.
Expedition is an online store of a popular travel brand. It specializes in outdoor products, automotive products and original gifts. Payment for purchases is possible with online bank cards, some installment cards, through ERIP, in cash or by bank transfer. Courier delivery works in large cities, goods are sent to other settlements via mail.
E-delivery is a popular online hypermarket of food and consumer goods in Belarus. Purchases are selected in the basket on the site, and upon reaching the amount of 35 rubles, it becomes possible to deliver them free of charge by courier to major cities Belarus and their environs. You can pay for goods in cash (by courier or at the post office), bank cards and installment cards online or upon receipt of purchases. Customers of the store can participate in the "Luck in addition" lottery.
Padarunki BY is an online store of gifts and souvenirs from world famous brands such as: VICTORINOX (penknives from Switzerland), PARKER (writing utensils), ZIPPO (legendary lighters from the USA) and much more. Delivery by courier in Minsk or self-delivery from the office-shop at st. Vostochnaya, 133. Orders are sent all over Belarus by BelPost or Globel24 courier service.
Sundays is an online store of goods for recreation and summer cottages. A discount program and cash back are available for customers. Payment is possible online by bank cards and installment cards, in cash and by bank transfer, through ERIP. Goods are delivered free of charge only in Minsk and the surrounding area. Self-delivery from points in the Minsk region is possible. There is a paid delivery in Belarus - with the help of special courier services or Belpochta.
It should be noted that the local Belarusian Internet sales market does not stand still. There are more and more new players that are approaching the quality and prices of foreign analogues.
Top Russian online stores also open their branches, for example, Lamoda.by, whose prices for the same branded clothes do not bite at all. This means that the need to buy new sneakers or shorts from the same Chinese Shein.com will gradually disappear.
What will happen to the duty from January 1, 2020?
From January 1, 2020, the customs duty for overweight parcels in Belarus, including in all EAEU countries, will be reduced to 15% of the price of an imported parcel, but not less than 2 euros per 1 kilogram of excess weight.
Do you have any questions? Write in the comments (I answer as quickly as possible). Enjoy your shopping without extra overpayments!
As a rule, it does not raise questions from users. But there are some nuances. The fact is that when crossing the border, goods undergo customs control and for duty-free importation, you need to fit into certain limits. Let's discuss with you what the maximum amount is currently applicable to purchases with Aliexpress for residents of Belarus.
- Tobacco products. Usually on Aliexpress you can find various tobacco for hookahs, for example, if you look very well for other smoking blends.
- Seeds and plants. You have probably seen that on the site you can buy seeds of plants and flowers, or even the plants themselves. So do it carefully, because otherwise you can earn a lot of problems.
- Weapons, spare parts, ammunition. Well, you definitely won’t find supplies in the form of grenades and similar weapons, but various knives, spare parts for weapons, for example, optical sights and other interesting things are sold here.
- Precious stones and diamonds. No, you can, of course, buy jewelry, but if you want to buy a separate stone, which is unlikely, since they cannot be found on Aliexpress then customs won't let it through.
- Spy's equipment. Here the question is somewhat controversial, since voice recorders, cameras, communication jammers, and so on can be attributed to such equipment. Sometimes even telephones and similar equipment are not allowed through. Nevertheless, the legislation is becoming more and more adequate and many things are missed, but it is possible that when ordering the same GPS tracker for a child, you will not have problems. It is not known what it depends on, probably on the adequacy of the customs officer, but still be prepared for anything.
As for such goods as food, dietary supplements, sports nutrition and other prohibited goods, they are Aliexpress simply no.
In addition, if you decide to buy a product of one of the prohibited categories for your country, then it is better to consult with the seller. If he delivers to your country, then he certainly knows how this is done and will share information of interest to you.
How is the cost of a parcel with Aliexpress assessed at customs in Belarus?
It is very important for each buyer that the cost of the parcel is estimated correctly, since if it becomes necessary to pay a fee, then no one will want to overpay. Still as an option, the buyer on Aliexpress ordered exactly $ 22 and if the customs value the parcel more, then again you have to pay or prove that the price of the goods is less.
So, how do employees evaluate the cost of packages? First of all, the price must be indicated by the seller directly on the sticker. If the customs officer considers that the price is too low, he will evaluate it himself. Customs has its own price for each item. All goods are collected in a special catalog, and the employee relies on some. The same will be done if the cost is not specified.
If the estimate does not suit you, then you can contact the customs union and provide them with documentation confirming that the cost of the goods is lower. It can be a payment receipt, invoice and other documents.
How to order a lot on Aliexpress to Belarus and not pay a fee?
- If you do not need expensive goods, then try to keep within the limit of 22 euros, and if there is a need to buy more, then try to negotiate with relatives or friends to buy on them. In general, according to the rules, it is not forbidden to order to one address, but to different names. This situation will allow you not to pay duty on Aliexpress in Belarus, since the limit is calculated for each person, and not for a specific address.
- Do not be afraid to ask sellers to indicate smaller amounts on the package, as they always go to a meeting. But remember that customs control all parcels and if it seems to employees that the price is too low, they will independently determine the price of the goods.
- When ordering goods, you can use the services of delivery services through Russia or Kazakhstan, for which the limit is much higher. That is, first your goods will arrive in one of these countries, and only then, after processing, they will be sent to you. It is worth noting that the services of firms are not free. Some take a fixed amount, while others take a percentage of the order. You can find such intermediaries on the Internet in a couple of minutes.
Video: Customs limits on parcels in Belarus
