Paying VAT by means of a payment request
Unfortunately, not every webshop allows you to pay VAT during checkout. In that case, we will collect the VAT by means of a customs clearance charge. Don't worry, it's very simple. If we have your e-mail address or telephone number, we will send you a payment request which you can use to pay online*. You will also receive such a request if you use the PostNL app. If you pay online, we will deliver your parcel at home as soon as possible. If we only know your home address, you will be notified by post when your parcel is ready to be collected at a PostNL point near you. You then pay the customs clearance charge when you pick up the parcel. Please note: If the value of your parcel is more than € 150, you need to pay import duties as well as VAT. In that case, you will always receive a payment request from us. Want to know more about customs clearance charges and exactly what you will pay? Read more about customs clearance charges
* Beware of fake messages! We will never send you a link to pay directly. We will always refer you to our track & trace page first. Enter your track & trace code and postcode in order to pay securely. Tip: create a PostNL account and log in to the PostNL app. The PostNL app is always a secure way for us to contact you. Read more about fake messages.
Frequently asked questions
What are customs clearance charges?
These are costs you have to pay when you buy something from a country outside the EU, such as VAT, handling charges and maybe import duties. To determine what you need to pay, we will declare your parcel when it arrives in the Netherlands. This is also called ‘clearing’. Hence the name 'clearance charges'.
I think I have already paid VAT.
This is possible, because some webshops charge VAT straightaway when you buy something. However, not every webshop offers this option. In most cases you will therefore pay a customs clearance charge when your parcel arrives in the Netherlands.
What if I do not pay online?
Then we will bring your parcel to a PostNL point. We will send you a message when it arrives there. You pay when you pick up the parcel. If the parcel has not been collected after one week, we will return it to the sender abroad.
What if I don't want to pay at all?
In that case, you can reject the parcel online. We will then immediately return it to the sender.