VAT, Duties and Import Charges

September 1, 2026

French Soap Wholesale orders are dispatched directly from Marseille, France.

The VAT and customs treatment of your order depends on your delivery country, business status and the rules that apply at the time of import.

Orders delivered within France

Orders delivered within France are treated according to the VAT rules applicable to the order and to French Soap Wholesale at the time of purchase.

Any VAT charged will be shown on your order documentation.

Orders to businesses elsewhere in the European Union

For qualifying business-to-business sales between EU countries, VAT may be accounted for by the customer in their own country rather than charged by the supplier.

A valid VAT identification number and the correct business details may be required for this treatment. EU rules generally place the VAT liability for qualifying intra-EU acquisitions on the business acquiring the goods in the destination country.

Please make sure the VAT and company information on your trade account is accurate.

Orders to the United Kingdom

Orders sent from Marseille to Great Britain are imports into the UK.

Import VAT may be payable, and customs duty or carrier handling charges can also apply depending on the value and classification of the goods. For consignments over £135, the normal UK import VAT and customs rules generally apply.

The courier or customs agent will normally contact the recipient if payment is required before delivery.

UK VAT-registered businesses may be able to account for import VAT through postponed VAT accounting, subject to the usual HMRC rules.

Orders to the USA, Canada and other non-EU destinations

Orders sent outside the European Union may be subject to:

import taxes
customs duties
brokerage or clearance charges
carrier administration fees
other local import costs

These charges are determined by the destination country and are normally outside the control of French Soap Wholesale.

Canadian commercial imports, for example, may be subject to duties and taxes assessed through the Canadian customs system.

Who is responsible for import charges?

Unless your order specifically states otherwise, import VAT, customs duties and local clearance charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

They are not normally included in the product price shown on our website.

Can you tell me exactly how much duty I will pay?

Unfortunately, not always.

Import charges can depend on:

destination country
value of the shipment
customs classification
country of origin
local tax rules
your own business or VAT status

Because these rules can change, we recommend checking with your local customs authority, accountant or customs broker if you need an exact figure before ordering.

Will French-made soaps always be duty-free?

Not necessarily.

Preferential tariffs can sometimes apply to goods of qualifying origin under trade agreements, but the conditions and documentation vary by destination. Customs authorities make the final decision on whether any duty is payable.