Aliexpress Items Under €150 – Do You Still Pay VAT in UK?

AliExpress Items Under €150 – Do You Still Pay VAT in the UK?

Shopping on AliExpress has become increasingly popular among UK residents, thanks to its vast selection and competitive prices. However, many buyers are unsure about the rules regarding VAT on AliExpress orders under €150. Since Brexit, the UK’s import tax regulations have changed significantly, leaving shoppers confused about whether they need to pay VAT on small parcels from overseas. Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid unexpected costs or delays when your order arrives.

For UK shoppers, the main concerns include how VAT is charged, whether it’s paid at checkout or upon delivery, and if there are any exemptions for low-value goods. Additionally, buyers want to know if AliExpress handles VAT collection or if they’ll face extra charges from customs. Being clear on these points helps you budget accurately and enjoy a smoother shopping experience. This article explains the current VAT situation for AliExpress items under €150 delivered to the UK, so you can shop with confidence.

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AliExpress Items Under €150 – Understanding VAT for UK Buyers

Do AliExpress Prices Include VAT for UK Shipping?

When shopping on AliExpress and shipping goods to the UK, one of the most common questions is: Do AliExpress prices include VAT? Since July 2021, AliExpress is required by UK law to collect VAT at the point of sale for orders shipping to the UK that are valued at less than £135 (approximately €150). This means that, in most cases, the price you see on the product page already includes UK VAT.

• VAT is automatically added to your order total at checkout for eligible items.
• If you see a breakdown in your basket, look for a line item called “VAT” or “Tax”.
• This VAT is then remitted by AliExpress to HMRC on your behalf, so you should not be charged again on delivery.

However, always double-check at checkout to ensure VAT is included, especially if you are buying from a third-party seller who ships from outside the UK or EU.

Do I Have to Pay VAT on Goods from EU to UK?

Yes, VAT applies to goods shipped from the EU to the UK, just as it does for goods shipped from China or other countries. Since Brexit, the UK treats the EU as a non-domestic market, so VAT is due on all goods imported from the EU, regardless of their origin. For AliExpress items under €150, VAT is collected at the point of sale, so you do not need to pay it again upon arrival.

• Goods from EU sellers on AliExpress will show VAT included at checkout if the total is under £135.
• For orders over £135, import VAT and customs duties may be collected by the courier or Royal Mail.

Do I Pay VAT on Goods from China to the UK?

Yes, VAT applies to goods imported from China to the UK. For AliExpress orders under £135 (€150), AliExpress itself collects the VAT at checkout and remits it to the UK authorities. This is required by UK law and ensures a smoother delivery process, with no surprise charges at the border.

• For orders under £135, VAT is included in your AliExpress payment.
• For orders over £135, VAT and possibly customs duties will be collected by the courier or Royal Mail before delivery.

AliExpress VAT UK – How the System Works for Items Under €150

Do You Pay VAT on Imports Less Than £135?

Yes, VAT is payable on imports less than £135 (about €150) into the UK. The key difference is who collects the VAT. For these lower-value items, AliExpress collects VAT at the point of sale, so you pay it during checkout and not on delivery. This system was introduced to simplify the import process and prevent delays or unexpected charges for UK buyers.

• All goods under £135 are subject to 20% UK VAT (with some exceptions for certain categories).
• AliExpress acts as the VAT collector and provides the necessary documentation for customs clearance.

Do I Have to Pay Import Tax from AliExpress to the UK?

For most items under £135 (€150) from AliExpress, you do not have to pay import tax or VAT on delivery. This is because AliExpress collects the VAT at checkout and remits it to HMRC, simplifying the process for UK buyers. However, if your order value exceeds £135, you may be liable for both VAT and customs duties, which are collected by the courier or postal service before delivery.

• Orders under £135: VAT collected at checkout; no extra charges on delivery.
• Orders over £135: VAT and customs duties may be due; courier will contact you for payment before delivery.

AliExpress Tax Calculator and VAT Calculation for UK Buyers

Using an AliExpress Tax Calculator

If you want to estimate the total cost of your AliExpress order, including VAT, you can use an AliExpress tax calculator. These are online tools that help you work out the final price by adding the applicable VAT rate (currently 20% for the UK) to your order value.

• Enter the item price and shipping cost into the calculator.
• Select the UK as your destination country.
• The calculator will display the total amount you should expect to pay, including VAT.

Remember, AliExpress automatically calculates and shows VAT at checkout, so you can also review your shopping basket before payment to see the exact amount.

AliExpress VAT Number and IOSS Number

To comply with UK and EU tax regulations, AliExpress uses an IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) number for VAT collection on orders under €150. This number is used for customs clearance and is included on shipping documentation. If you need the AliExpress VAT number or IOSS number for your records or to check with customs, you can usually find it on your order invoice or by contacting AliExpress customer service.

• IOSS number is used for orders under €150 shipped from outside the UK/EU.
• VAT number may be listed on your invoice for business or accounting purposes.

How to Get a VAT Invoice from AliExpress

AliExpress VAT Invoice Process

If you need a VAT invoice from AliExpress for your purchase (for example, for business accounting or VAT reclaim), you can usually download it after your order is shipped. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your AliExpress account.
2. Go to “My Orders” and find the relevant order.
3. Click on “Order Details”.
4. Look for an option to “Download Invoice” or “Download VAT Invoice”.

If the invoice is not immediately available, contact the seller or AliExpress customer support. The VAT invoice should show the VAT amount, the AliExpress VAT number, and other necessary details for UK tax compliance.

Buyer Tax Information Collection on AliExpress

In some cases, especially for business buyers, AliExpress may request additional tax information to comply with UK VAT rules. This process is called Buyer Tax Information Collection. You may be asked to provide your UK VAT number or business details before completing your purchase or downloading an invoice.

• Fill in the requested information accurately to avoid delays.
• This helps ensure your VAT invoice is correctly issued for UK tax purposes.

AliExpress VAT Refunds

If you believe you have been incorrectly charged VAT, or if your order is cancelled or returned, you may be eligible for an AliExpress VAT refund. Here’s what to do:

1. Initiate a return or dispute via your AliExpress account.
2. Once the return is processed and accepted, AliExpress will refund the VAT along with the item cost (if applicable).
3. If you have specific VAT-related queries, contact AliExpress customer support and provide your order details.

Refunds are usually processed back to your original payment method, but check your order status for updates.

How to Avoid AliExpress Tax in the UK – What’s Legal and What’s Not

Can You Avoid Paying VAT on AliExpress Orders?

It is not legal to avoid paying VAT on AliExpress orders shipped to the UK. The UK government requires all marketplaces, including AliExpress, to collect VAT at the point of sale for orders under £135. Attempts to circumvent this, such as misdeclaring the value of goods or using third-party shipping agents to understate the order value, are illegal and can result in penalties or confiscation of goods.

• Always ensure VAT is included in your AliExpress payment to avoid issues with customs or delivery.
• Be wary of sellers offering to mark items as “gifts” or undervalue shipments – this is against the law.

How to Check Your VAT Payment Status

To make sure you’ve paid VAT on your AliExpress order:

• Review your order summary at checkout – look for a “VAT” or “Tax” line item.
• Download your VAT invoice after purchase for your records.
• Contact AliExpress support if you do not see VAT listed or have any doubts.

AliExpress Shipping, Customs, and Delivery for UK Orders Under €150

What Happens at UK Customs?

For AliExpress items under €150 shipped to the UK, customs clearance is usually straightforward if VAT has been paid at the point of sale. The package will be processed using the IOSS number provided by AliExpress, confirming that VAT has been paid.

• No extra VAT or import tax is due on delivery for these orders.
• If customs cannot verify VAT payment, you may be asked to provide your invoice or proof of payment.
• Occasionally, packages may be delayed for inspection, but this is rare for low-value, VAT-paid items.

Delivery Times and Tracking

AliExpress delivery times to the UK for items under €150 typically range from 7 to 21 days, depending on the shipping method and seller location. You can track your package using the tracking number provided in your order details.

• AliExpress Standard Shipping offers reliable tracking and customs clearance with VAT documentation.
• Free shipping options may take longer and have less detailed tracking.
• Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, etc.) may process orders faster but can charge additional handling fees for orders over £135.

AliExpress Buyer Protection and Returns for UK Orders

What If Your AliExpress Item is Lost or Damaged?

AliExpress offers buyer protection for all orders, including those under €150. If your item is lost, damaged, or not as described, you can open a dispute within the AliExpress platform. If your claim is accepted, you will receive a refund, including any VAT paid.

• Document any issues with photos or tracking information.
• Submit your dispute within the specified timeframe (usually 15 days after order completion).
• Refunds include the VAT amount if the item is returned or not delivered.

How to Return an AliExpress Item from the UK

If you need to return an item, check the AliExpress return policy for your specific seller. Many sellers offer free returns for UK buyers, especially for items under €150. Once your return is processed, you should receive a full refund, including the VAT.

• Initiate the return process through your AliExpress account.
• Follow the seller’s instructions for shipping the item back.
• Keep your shipping receipt and proof of return for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions about AliExpress VAT and Tax in the UK

How to Get an AliExpress VAT Invoice?

After your order is shipped, log in to your AliExpress account, go to “My Orders”, and select “Order Details” for the relevant purchase. Look for the option to download a “VAT Invoice”. If it’s not available, contact the seller or AliExpress support. The invoice should show the VAT amount, AliExpress VAT number, and other details required for UK tax compliance.

Where Can I Find the AliExpress IOSS Number?

The AliExpress IOSS number is used for customs clearance and is typically included on your shipping label or order invoice. If you need it for customs or accounting purposes, check your order documentation or ask AliExpress customer support for assistance.

Can I Claim a VAT Refund from AliExpress?

VAT refunds are available if your order is cancelled, returned, or lost. AliExpress will process the refund automatically once your return or dispute is resolved. For business buyers, VAT invoices are provided for accounting purposes, but direct VAT reclaims from HMRC are not usually possible for consumer purchases.

Is There an AliExpress Tax Calculator for UK Buyers?

Yes, you can use online AliExpress tax calculators to estimate your total order cost, including VAT. However, AliExpress itself will show the VAT amount at checkout, so you can always see what you’re paying before confirming your order.

What is Buyer Tax Information Collection on AliExpress?

This is a process where AliExpress collects additional tax information (such as your VAT number or business details) to comply with UK and EU VAT rules. Fill in the requested information accurately to ensure smooth processing and correct invoicing.

How Does AliExpress Handle VAT for UK Buyers?

AliExpress collects and remits UK VAT on orders under £135 at the point of sale. The VAT is included in your order total and documented on your invoice. For orders above £135, VAT and customs duties are collected by the courier or postal service before delivery.

Summary Table: AliExpress VAT and Tax Rules for UK Buyers

Understanding VAT on AliExpress items under €150 is essential for UK buyers. By ensuring VAT is collected at checkout and keeping your invoices, you can shop with confidence and avoid unexpected charges or delivery delays.

FAQ: AliExpress Items Under €150 – Do You Still Pay VAT in the UK?

Do I need to pay VAT when ordering items under €150 from AliExpress to the UK?

Yes, VAT is still payable on all goods imported into the UK from overseas, regardless of whether the value is under €150 (approximately £135). Since Brexit, UK VAT applies to all goods valued at £135 or less at the point of sale. This means AliExpress is required to collect VAT from you at checkout and remit it to HMRC.

How is VAT calculated for low-value AliExpress orders?

VAT is calculated at the UK standard rate of 20% on the total value of your order, including the item price and shipping costs. For example, if your item and shipping total £100, you will pay £20 in VAT, charged at checkout by AliExpress.

Will I have to pay any additional charges upon delivery?

For orders under £135 (about €150), VAT is collected at the time of purchase, so you should not be charged VAT again on delivery. However, courier companies may charge a small handling or processing fee for customs clearance, though this is less common for low-value parcels.

Who is responsible for collecting and paying VAT on AliExpress orders?

AliExpress, as the online marketplace, is responsible for collecting UK VAT on orders under £135 and paying it directly to HMRC. This applies to both individual sellers and AliExpress itself. For more information, see the official UK government guidance.

What happens if my AliExpress order is above €150 (over £135)?

If your order exceeds £135 (around €150), VAT and potentially customs duties are not collected at checkout. Instead, these charges are collected by the courier or Royal Mail upon delivery. You may also need to pay a customs clearance fee in this case.

Are there any exemptions or special rules for VAT on AliExpress orders?

There are no general exemptions for VAT on online purchases from AliExpress to the UK, even for low-value items. However, certain goods (such as children’s clothing or books) may be zero-rated or exempt from VAT. For detailed information about VAT exemptions, refer to the HMRC VAT notice.

Can I reclaim VAT if I am a business buyer in the UK?

If you are VAT registered in the UK and the goods are for business use, you may be able to reclaim the VAT paid on your AliExpress purchase as input tax. Ensure you have a valid VAT invoice from AliExpress or the seller to support your claim.

What should I do if I am incorrectly charged VAT twice?

If you are charged VAT at checkout and again upon delivery, contact AliExpress customer service with proof of payment. You may also contact the courier to dispute the charge. Keep all receipts and tracking information to support your case.

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