Import Customs, Duties & Taxes

When ordering internationally, your shipment may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other government-imposed taxes. While taxes are never the most exciting part of a purchase, we've found that FedEx makes the process straightforward and accommodating, with most shipments arriving within a few days from Sri Lanka.

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

Understanding 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 Tili Gems.

With years of international shipping experience, we've compiled comprehensive tax information for popular destinations to help you understand what to expect.

Country-Specific Tax Information

(If your country isn't listed, please contact us at +94 77 888 0333 or support@tiligems.com for more information)

AUSTRALIA

Australian import taxes apply to goods valued over AU$1,000 and include:

1. Customs Duty:

  • Loose gemstones: 0%
  • Finished jewelry: 5%

2. GST Tax: 10% (calculated on purchase total in AUD + customs duty)

3. Import Processing Charge:

  • AU$88.00 for items AU$1,000 to AU$10,000
  • AU$190.00 for items over AU$10,000

4. FedEx Advancement Fee: 2.5% of total import taxes (if taxes exceed AU$300)

Note: If you return your item, you may claim a tax refund by filing the appropriate forms with Australian customs.

AUSTRIA

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%

BELGIUM

Unfortunately, we cannot ship loose gemstones or jewelry to Belgium. Belgian regulations specifically prohibit the importation of these items by individuals. Learn more

CANADA

Canadian import taxes:

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 5%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, GST 5%

Provincial Sales Tax (PST):
Some provinces add PST to the federal GST, creating a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Total tax rates by province:

  • Alberta: 5%
  • British Columbia: 12%
  • Manitoba: 13%
  • New Brunswick: 15%
  • Newfoundland & Labrador: 15%
  • Northwest Territories: 5%
  • Nova Scotia: 15%
  • Nunavut: 5%
  • Ontario: 13%
  • Prince Edward Island: 15%
  • Quebec: 15%
  • Saskatchewan: 11%
  • Yukon: 5%

CYPRUS

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%

DENMARK

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 25%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 25%

FRANCE

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%

Important: French regulations prohibit courier services like FedEx from using in-house brokers for customs clearance. Additional customs procedures may apply.

GERMANY

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%

GREAT BRITAIN / UNITED KINGDOM

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 20%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 20%

Good to know: When purchasing jewelry locally in the UK, 20% VAT is already included in the retail price. Buying internationally doesn't cost more than purchasing an equivalent item domestically.

HONG KONG

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 0%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, VAT 0%

Tax-free destination!

IRELAND

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 23%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 23%

ITALY

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 22%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 22%

MALAYSIA

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 0%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, GST 0%

Tax-free destination!

MONACO

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 19%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 19%

NETHERLANDS

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 21%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 21%

NEW ZEALAND

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 15%
  • Jewelry: Duty 5%, GST 15%

POLAND

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 23%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 23%

SINGAPORE

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, GST 7%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, GST 7%

SOUTH AFRICA

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 15%
  • Jewelry: Duty 20%, VAT 15%

SWEDEN

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 25%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 25%

SWITZERLAND

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 7.7%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, VAT 7.7%

TAIWAN

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 5%, Trade Promotion Fee 0.04%
  • Jewelry: Duty 0%, VAT 5%, Trade Promotion Fee 0.04%

THAILAND

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 7%
  • Jewelry: Duty 20%, VAT 7%

TURKEY

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 0%, VAT 18%
  • Jewelry: Duty 2.5%, VAT 18%

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

  • Loose Gemstones: Duty 5%, VAT 5%
  • Jewelry: Duty 5%, VAT 5%

Important: Shipments valued over $5,000 USD require an independent customs broker, as FedEx cannot clear goods above this value. We work with specialized services at Dubai Airport for high-value shipments. Customs clearance and onward delivery charges would be your responsibility for these shipments.

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:
Phone: +94 77 888 0333
Email: support@tiligems.com

We're committed to making your international purchase as smooth and transparent as possible.