How to avoid duty and extra charges when buying from Great Britain
Find out when import charges apply to purchases from the UK and how to avoid them. Tips to make sure your parcel from England arrives without unexpected extra costs.
Since Brexit, buying from Great Britain has become a little more complicated. Where we once ordered goods from the UK as from any other EU country, import rules now apply – often meaning extra charges: VAT, customs duty and admin fees.
The good news: once you know when charges apply and how they can be avoided or reduced, you can shop from UK stores without stress or extra costs.
1. When do duty and taxes apply?
It depends on:
- The value of the goods
- The rules of the destination country (Lithuania)
- Whether the seller uses DDP or DDU terms
- Whether the goods were made in the UK or imported from third countries
The most common charges:
- Import VAT (21%)
- Customs duty (from 0% to 12%, depending on the type of goods)
- Courier admin fees (€5–€20)
2. How to reduce or avoid charges
Buy from sellers offering DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
- This means the seller covers all charges before the goods are shipped.
- These sellers often state “taxes included” or “no additional fees on delivery”.
Order from UK warehouses, but goods of EU origin
- If the goods are made in the EU or UK and you have proof of origin, no duty may apply.
- For example, electronics from Germany shipped via the UK but with an EU certificate of origin.
3. What does a correct declaration mean?
- Accurate value of the goods (under-declaring can lead to fines)
- Commodity code (HS code) – determines the duty rate
- Country of origin
- A matching invoice or proof of purchase
Our team prepares declarations in line with all customs requirements – so your shipment stays out of the risk zone.
4. The most common mistakes – and how to avoid them
MistakeConsequenceSolutionIncorrect value declaredCustoms may hold the shipmentAlways provide an invoice or a copy of your eBay/Amazon orderMissing origin documentsAdditional duty appliesGet a certificate or choose goods from the EUShipping directly to LTMore charges, less controlUse a professional transport serviceA DDU seller was chosenPayment due when the shipment arrivesChoose DDP options or be ready to pay
5. When is it worth just paying?
For some products – household appliances, electronics, high-value goods – the final price from the UK is still better than in Lithuania, even with charges. In that case:
- Make sure the paperwork is handled smoothly
- Work out the final price including all charges
- Use a reliable carrier
6. Our services help you avoid surprises
- Freight consolidation at our UK warehouse for business customers
- Preparing customs declarations
- Professional logistics and parcels UK–Lithuania
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about this article.
Yes – if the goods are of EU or UK origin, low in value and correctly declared, no duty may apply.
Yes, if the goods exceed a certain value threshold (~€45 for personal parcels, less for commercial ones).
If it’s a DDU shipment, the recipient pays. If it’s DDP, it has already been paid.
Yes – our team optimises declarations within the legal requirements and keeps your shipment moving smoothly.
Yes – both individuals and businesses can use our service.
The services we provide
