Why do I have to pay tariffs for importing the following stuff into the EU now?
I've heard they've rescinded the threshold on allowing duty free imports of 150€ and below (it used to exist). The thing is that I'm a avid Zelda fan and would rather import my Switch than paying 520€ for the console alone (the game is 70€), don't even talk about the pro controller with the stand (that's another 110€, like WTF?).
Now, I've listed the same counterparts upon pre-ordering these things alongside accessories:
- Zelda Switch 2 (日本語・国内専用): ¥62,980 (~354€)
- Zelda Pro Controller w/stand: ¥12,980 (~73€)
- 256GB Micro SD Card (Express): ¥12,000 (~67€)
- Zelda (OoT) Remake: ¥7,755 (~43€)
- TotK NS2 Edition: ¥7,264 (~40€)
- BotW NS2 Edition: ¥7,236 (~40€)
- Switch 2 Case: ¥3,790 (~21€)
- Pro Controller Case: ¥2,490 (~14€)
- Screen Protector: ¥1,598 (~9€)
- Joy Con Stick Covers: ¥999 (~5€)
It adds up to ¥121,119 in customs value. The import VAT varies based on country, I won't disclose where I reside but let's say I'm importing to Spain where the rate is 21%. (This is after paying shipping costs via a courier).
::: spoiler spoiler
I've used a import duty calculator to estimate the quote, again: this is not representative of the real thing.
850€?! ARE THEY INSANE! WHAT A RIP OFF!
:::
21 replies
https://ulovi.eu/en/news/customs-small-parcels-temu-shein-2026/
Temu, shein and AliExpress flooded customs over the breaking point, this is the reaction.
OP would have had to pay VAT (and customs) for their purchase from outside EU even before the new regulation came into effect, as its value is well above the 150 € limit.
VAT is applicable for all purchases regardless of the de minimis-limit.
That too but he/she referred to the limit so should know it. Also asking for what changed, that's how we got here. But you're right its not really consistent.
As mentioned, the customs value is ¥121,119 for everything. However, the console + game + pro controller & SD card combined is ¥95,715 if I didn't buy the additional accessories or other games. With a package bearing that kind of commercial value, does it mean taxes are higher?
You get an extra 3€ tax by product category. I don't know hotlw it's categorized but could sum up quickly.
This is above the de minimis-limit, so you would always have had to pay tariffs for this purchase.
As to why, it's just quite simply how tariffs work.
EDIT: Seems like you're not even actually paying tariffs on the purchase under applicable trade agreements with Japan, it's quite literally just the VAT - so I'll restate: this is just how VAT works
Honestly, if the tariff means Nintendo gets less money, then it isn't all bad.
It's weeb tax
They changed the rules to target cosmopolitan gamer sock puppet accounts if I remember correctly.
Because a government official convinced a working group that it needs to happen.
Welcome to the backwards slide of international trade that the American idiots voted for twice.
Well, there's mostly temu and AliExpress to blame for that. They gamed the system, now the rules got changed.
Sucks for me too but in general I agree it's not okay to flood our customs over the threshold to (literally) ship garbage into the EU.
It's sad to see that we cannot have a system based on mutual respect. Someone will game the system which leads to heavily restrictive new rules for everybody. :(
See also Radio Controlled crafts, AI (old definition, screw LLM and genAI), etc.
The issue is more manufacturing and trade policy.
China is hitting a point where its economy is going to import natural resources. With that happening, Europe doesn't produce anything of significant value to compensate for Chinese manufactured goods. So, it is increasing tariffs to protect local industry. Closing the de minimus allowance is part of it.
I would've paid over 1000€ if I've purchased the same stuff locally, still ain't going to happen.
Youre complaining you aren't getting enough of a discount?
I'm importing most of this from Japan, where the prices are lower than in the EU. The gripe I have are tariffs before deivery (unless I book a flight to Japan buying this stuff in store, packing all of that into luggage on a return flight home) even then, is that still duty free?
Maybe depends if you think you will get your luggage checked at the airport.
Just buy the switch, let it sit in a drawer and have all the games for free in a year or two. Lol
That is so kawaiiiiii
Innocent question: how would anyone know those are games you bought instead of games you brought? A portable game system makes perfect sense to travel with. If you can make everything look used and discard the boxes, why wouldn't that be the assumption?