Import Duties & Taxes | Central Gemstone

What may be charged at the border?

An importing country may assess customs duty, VAT/GST or other applicable tax, plus a courier or postal handling or clearance fee. Whether a charge applies, and its amount, can depend on the destination, product classification, declared value, origin, shipping method, and rules in force when the parcel enters the country. Some destinations may require additional import information from the recipient.

Free Worldwide Shipping covers outbound delivery for eligible website orders. It does not mean import duties, taxes, or local clearance fees are prepaid. Unless checkout expressly says otherwise, the recipient is responsible for destination charges.

Who collects the payment?

Customs authorities set the applicable import treatment. The courier, postal operator, or its clearance partner may contact the recipient and collect the assessed amount before delivery or release. Central Gemstone cannot set or waive a destination country’s assessment, and a shipping estimate is not a tax quote.

We describe the contents and declare the transaction value accurately on shipping documents. We cannot mark a commercial sale as a gift or understate its value to avoid import charges.

Check your destination’s official guidance

Rules change. These official sources explain the general framework; ask your local customs authority or courier about your specific item and destination:

United States: U.S. Customs and Border Protection — duties, taxes and fees.
United Kingdom: GOV.UK — tax and customs for goods sent from abroad.
European Union: European Commission — buying goods online from outside the EU.
Other destinations: consult the customs authority for your country or region and your chosen carrier.

Before placing an order

Check whether natural gemstones or mineral specimens can be imported to your destination and whether a permit or special declaration is needed.
Review your local duty and tax guidance using the product value and the item’s description.
Keep your phone number and email current so the carrier can reach you about customs clearance.
Set aside time for clearance; its duration is outside our dispatch commitment.

If you need a product description or order document for your customs inquiry, contact Order Support before purchase.