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Articles on:VAT / Duties / Customs
Articles relating to VAT, Duties or Customs

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  • How Product Codes Work for EU Shipments
    From 1 November 2026, EU customs needs product codes for every item you ship to an EU country. You add them in the Customs step when you book. This article explains what each code is, where to find it, and what changes for orders from your Shopify or WooCommerce store. 📦 What's Changing? The EU now asks for up to three product codes for each item on the customs declaration. This is on top of the HS code you already give us. It's an EU rule that applies to every carrier and to parcelFew readers
  • How to Resolve Shipment Delays and Exceptions 🚚⚠️
    This article explains how to manage exceptions that occur when your shipment is in transit. It outlines what exceptions mean, what actions to take, and who to contact for assistance. Although most shipments arrive smoothly, exceptions can happen. They’re common, and often easily resolvable. TUNL's system will automatically notify you and the receiver via email if an exception occurs. Staying proactive helps avoid shipment delays or unnecessary returns. ✨ What is a shipment excSome readers
  • Are you registered for tax in a foreign country?
    Tax In a Foreign country | Tax ID | Tax number | Esty IOSS | IOSSFew readers
  • Commercial Invoice
    Commercial Invoice | InvoiceSome readers
  • De minimis values
    De minimis | Duties thresholdPopular
  • 📦 FedEx USA: Tariffs & Duties Chargebacks ✈️
    What South African Sellers Need to Know ✈️ If you've received an unexpected chargeback invoice from TUNL for unpaid duties and tariffs for a FedEx shipment to the USA - you're not alone. This is a growing issue, and it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Here's what's happening, why you're being charged, and how to prevent it going forward. 👇 🌍 What's Changed in the USA? For a long time, shipping goods to the USA was relatively straightforward. Parcels under $800 in valueFew readers
  • How to Register for Trade Agreements on SARS eFiling
    How to Register for Trade Agreements on SARS eFiling Before you start You'll need: An active SARS eFiling account with your business registered as a taxpayer An active Exporter's Code (if you don't have one yet, get one first →) A proof of address for your business (already on file in eFiling for most businesses) Your goods must be manufactured or substantially producFew readers
  • 🇺🇸 How to Submit an FDA Prior Notice
    FDA Prior Notice | FDASome readers
  • HS Code confidence score
    HS Code confidence score | Confidence score | HS CodeFew readers
  • 💵 DDP vs DAP: Who Pays Duties and Taxes on Your Shipment
    When you ship internationally, customs in the destination country can charge duties and taxes before or after your parcel is delivered. Someone has to pay them: either you, when you book the shipment, or your customer, when the parcel arrives. Getting this right decides whether your customer has a smooth delivery or a surprise bill at the door. This guide explains what duties and taxes are, the two ways they can be paid (DDP and DAP), how to pass the cost on to your customer at checkout, and hoFew readers
  • Understanding Customs Descriptions and HS Codes
    Introduction As part of our commitment to streamline your shipping process and ensure compliance with international trade regulations, we recommend grouping items with the same Harmonized System (HS) Code on your commercial invoices. This practice not only simplifies your documentation but also helps expedite customs clearance. Why Group Items by HS Code? Grouping items with the same HS Code offers several benefits: Simplifies DocFew readers
  • US Tariff Changes Impacting TUNL Economy & Express
    We’re keeping a close eye on the upcoming tariff changes to the US. While the exact impact and application are still being clarified, our team is preparing thoroughly to make sure we’re ready for any scenario. From 29 August 2025, all US-bound TUNL Economy and Express shipments will be impacted by new US tariffs. We want you to be prepared so your US orders keep moving without disruption. What’s Changing From 29 August 2025: No more duty-free threshold for US importFew readers
  • What are trade agreements and how do they work on TUNL?
    What are trade agreements and how do they work on TUNL? South Africa has trade agreements with the EU, UK, and EFTA states that allow SA-origin goods to enter those markets at 0% import duty. They're called: EU-SADC EPA (EU–Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement) — covers exports to all EU member states UK-SACUM EPA (UK–Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique) — covers exports to the UK EFTA-SACU FTA (European Free Trade Association–SoutFew readers
  • What Is an EORI Number and Why It Matters for South African Exporters
    If you’re shipping goods from South Africa to the European Union (EU) or the UK, you’ve probably heard of something called an EORI number. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? Let’s unpack what it means, who needs one, and how it can help you avoid those dreaded customs delays. 🧾 What Is an EORI Number? An EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is a unique ID that customs authorities in the EU and the UK use to track shipments. Think of it as aPopular
  • What Is an IOSS Number and Why You Need It for EU Shipments
    IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) is an EU scheme that simplifies VAT (Value Added Tax) collection on goods sold to EU consumers from outside the EU. It applies to consignments with an intrinsic value of €150 or less (the value of the goods themselves, excluding shipping and insurance). Here's the important bit upfront: IOSS is completely optional. Most TUNL merchants do not need one. This article explains what it is, who it's actually for, and what to consider before registering. 📦 --Some readers
  • Why Has My U.S. Customer Been Asked to Fill In a 5106 Form?
    If you're shipping from South Africa to the U.S., your customer might get a request from FedEx, UPS, or another carrier to fill in a 5106 form. It’s not spam. It’s a U.S. customs thing - and it’s important. 📌 What’s a 5106 Form, Anyway? The 5106 (officially, the CBP Form 5106) is a one-time form U.S. Customs uses to register someone receiving goods in the U.S. for the first time. It captures basic info: Name and address of the recipient Tax ID or Social Security number Contact deFew readers

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