When goods are not shipped domestically (within your own country) or within a single customs union (such as the European Union), you will be responsible for any inbound duties and taxes your item might incur as per your local customs authority.
These fees will be charged in addition to the price of the item and the cost of shipping. Any applicable duties and taxes are calculated at the border and based on the nature of the item, the final price and the destination country. These could be owed prior to or upon receipt of your order, or at a later date, depending on your customs authority.
To clear customs, you will also be required to provide some personal information, such as your SSN, EIN, IRN, TIN, or EORI. The shipping carrier will contact you about the required information, declaration and any fees you might owe, which must be paid before you can schedule the delivery of your purchase.
Please note that shipping delays due to customs processing are not uncommon. Delays at customs are outside of 1stDibs's control and may extend the delivery date beyond the initial maximum delivery date provided. Delays at customs are unfortunately not eligible for shipping refunds, as they remain outside of 1stDibs's control.
As the buyer, you are responsible for paying any customs duties in a timely manner. And if customs duties are not paid in a timely manner, then you are responsible for any actions or charges that may occur. A failure to respond can result in a return-to-sender action by the carrier, incurred reshipment costs, storage fees, or even an abandonment notice.
If an item is returned to the seller, you will be charged with any reshipment fees. If the additional expense is not approved, then the item will be discarded by whoever is holding it. Once an item is discarded, no refund can be processed.
For U.S. import questions, please refer to the Customs & Border Protection website.
For EU import questions, please refer to the European Commission website.
For UK import questions, please refer to the UK Government website.
For CAN import questions, please refer to the Canada Border Services Agency website.