Import Customs, Duties & Taxes
When ordering internationally, your shipment may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other government-imposed taxes. Here's what to expect by destination.
Important Information
- We cover FedEx shipping and insurance costs for you.
- FedEx handles all customs procedures and delivers directly to your door.
- You are responsible for paying any applicable import duties and taxes.
- FedEx may contact you before delivery to collect tax payments (payable by credit card).
- Tax rates vary by country and are set by your local government.
Your Tax Responsibility
As the buyer, you are responsible for all customs duties, VAT, GST, and related government taxes in your country. These charges are required for customs clearance and cannot be assumed by TiliGems.
With years of international shipping experience, we've compiled comprehensive tax information for popular destinations to help you understand what to expect.
Australia
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 10%
- Jewellery: Duty 5%, GST 10%
- Import Processing Charge: AU$88 (AU$1,000–10,000), AU$190 (over AU$10,000)
- FedEx Advancement Fee: 2.5% of import taxes (if over AU$300)
- GST applies to goods valued over AU$1,000
Austria
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%
Belgium
- We cannot ship loose gemstones or jewellery to Belgium — local regulations prohibit importation by individuals.
Canada
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 5%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, GST 5%
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST) varies by province — total HST ranges from 5% (Alberta) to 15% (Nova Scotia, PEI, Quebec)
Cyprus
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%
Denmark
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 25%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 25%
France
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%
- Note: FedEx cannot use in-house brokers — additional customs procedures may apply.
Germany
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%
United Kingdom
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%
- UK retail prices already include 20% VAT — buying internationally costs no more.
Hong Kong
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 0%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, VAT 0% — tax-free destination!
Ireland
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 23%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 23%
Italy
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 22%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 22%
Malaysia
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 0%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, GST 0% — tax-free destination!
Monaco
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%
Netherlands
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 21%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 21%
New Zealand
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 15%
- Jewellery: Duty 5%, GST 15%
Poland
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 23%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 23%
Singapore
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 7%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, GST 7%
South Africa
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 15%
- Jewellery: Duty 20%, VAT 15%
Sweden
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 25%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 25%
Switzerland
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 7.7%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, VAT 7.7%
Taiwan
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 5%, Trade Promotion Fee 0.04%
- Jewellery: Duty 0%, VAT 5%, Trade Promotion Fee 0.04%
Thailand
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 7%
- Jewellery: Duty 20%, VAT 7%
Turkey
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 18%
- Jewellery: Duty 2.5%, VAT 18%
United Arab Emirates
- Loose Gemstones: Duty 5%, VAT 5%
- Jewellery: Duty 5%, VAT 5%
- Shipments over USD 5,000 require an independent customs broker — clearance charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Need More Information?
If your country isn't listed or you have questions about import taxes and customs procedures, we're here to help. Contact us at +94 77 888 0333 or support@tiligems.com.
We're committed to making your international purchase as smooth and transparent as possible.
Questions? We're Here to Help
Our team is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns.