Which countries require customs clearance?

Every shipment to or from a country outside the European Union, such as the UK, the USA or Switzerland, goes through customs, as do some special territories, such as the Canary Islands. For these shipments, you fill in the proforma when booking.

Which Countries Need Customs for a Parcel?

A shipment goes through customs when the parcel leaves the European Union or arrives from a country outside the EU. Within the EU, parcels move freely without customs.

Which destinations go through customs?

All countries outside the EU, such as the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, the United Arab Emirates and China.
Gibraltar and the Channel Islands, which are UK territories.
Some territories of EU countries that are treated as outside the EU: the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, the French overseas territories (e.g. Guadeloupe and Réunion) and the Åland Islands.

Not sure?

If you don't know whether your destination goes through customs, ask us before booking through the contact form.

What changes when I book?

You fill in the proforma online, listing what the parcel contains, how many items there are and their value.
City Sender sends you the proforma ready to print, together with the label.
You attach the proforma to the outside of the parcel, together with the label.
List the contents before you seal the box, so you can fill in the proforma correctly.

Are there customs charges?

Duties, taxes or clearance fees may apply. They aren't included in the shipping price and are set by the customs authority in the destination country. Customs checks may also delay delivery.

Does this also apply to shipments to Greece?

Yes. When a parcel arrives in Greece from a country outside the EU, it goes through Greek customs. Import charges are usually paid by the recipient.

What does a business selling outside the EU need?

To export goods for sale, the courier may ask for:

A sales document (an invoice or a retail receipt).
The business's VAT number (ΑΦΜ).
An active EORI number, issued by the Greek tax authority (AADE).
Electronic authorisation in ICISnet, so the courier can handle customs clearance on your behalf.

Not a sale?

If you're sending an item for repair, for an exhibition, or as a gift or sample, different documents apply. City Sender will ask you to confirm the purpose of the shipment and tell you what's needed.