Buying Barefoot Shoes from the EU Confidently
If you’re in the UK and looking to buy barefoot shoes, you might notice that many fantastic brands are based in Europe, such as Gogsig, Muki Shoes, Tikki Shoes, Shapen Barefoot, Be Lenka, and Barebarics*. These brands often operate from countries like Spain, Germany, Romania, and Slovakia. Unfortunately, many of these brands don’t yet have UK warehouses or retailers, meaning you may have to order directly from Europe. But don’t worry! Ordering barefoot shoes from the EU is easy and safe, and I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to do it confidently. *Feelgrounds are not included in this list because they ship duty paid, which means they have already covered the taxes and fees before they arrive to you!
Why Buy from the EU?
Barefoot shoes, known for their comfort, flexibility, and foot health benefits, are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the best models come from EU brands that are dedicated to crafting natural, foot-friendly shoes. Many of these brands aren’t (yet) widely available from UK warehouses or retailers. However, ordering from the EU is simple, and I’ve reviewed many of these brands myself to ensure their quality and trustworthiness. If they’re listed on my website, you can feel assured they are reputable.
Ordering from the EU: Under £135
If you place an order from an EU retailer and the total cost including shipping is under £135, the process is straightforward. You won’t have to worry about customs duties or extra fees. Your package will typically arrive swiftly, delivered by a courier like DHL, DPD, or Royal Mail.
Example:
Let’s say you buy a pair of children’s barefoot shoes from Tikki Shoes in Romania. The shoes cost 65 euros, and the shipping is 16 euros, making the total 81 euros. Since this is under £135, it will clear customs without any extra duties or fees. You’ll just pay the amount stated at checkout, and your shoes will arrive in the usual way.
Orders Over £135: Import Fees Apply
When the value of your order exceeds £135, import fees come into play. These include import VAT (20%), and in some cases, customs duty if the shoes are made from certain materials like leather.
Let’s break it down with examples:
Example 1: Leather Chelsea Boot from Portugal
You order a leather and rubber Chelsea boot from Portugal for 149 euros, with 21 euros shipping. That’s a total of 170 euros, which is around £147 at current exchange rates.
- Import VAT (20%) will be applied to the total:
£147 × 20% = £29.40 VAT. - Since these boots are made of leather, customs duty may also apply, typically at around 8%:
£147 × 8% = £11.76 customs duty.
So, in this case, your total extra charges would be £41.16. You’ll likely receive a notice from the courier to pay these charges before your boots are delivered.
Example 2: Synthetic Children’s Trainer
You order a synthetic children’s barefoot sneaker from Slovakia for 100 euros, with 15 euros shipping. The total is 115 euros, or about £99.
In this case, the value is under £135, so no customs duties will apply. However, if your total had been over £135, you might still have to pay import VAT, but the absence of leather means no extra customs duty would be applied.
FAQs:
“Can’t companies just declare a lower value so we avoid the fees?”
No. Customs charges are based on the actual value of the goods. If a company declares a lower value to avoid fees, customs officers may revalue the goods themselves, and there’s a risk they could overestimate and charge you even more. It’s best to ensure that everything is declared honestly to avoid complications.
“What if the company marks the item as a gift?”
Declaring something as a gift doesn’t exempt it from customs charges. The value of the item is what matters, not its purpose. So, even if the package is marked as a gift, customs will still apply VAT and duties based on the value of the goods.
“What happens after I get a notification of customs charges?”
Once the courier notifies you that customs charges are due, you’ll need to pay them before delivery can happen. This is usually done online through a payment portal. Once the fees are paid, your parcel will be delivered the next working day. It’s important to pay these fees promptly to avoid delays.
“What if I decide not to pay the customs charges?”
If you don’t want to pay, you can contact the courier to return the item to the sender. This is often done automatically if you ignore the charges, but it’s better to notify the courier. You won’t be charged for this unless the parcel has already been delivered.
What About Non-EU Imports (USA, China)?
For non-EU countries like the USA or China, the rules are a bit different:
- No customs duties are charged on goods under £135.
- Import VAT (20%) applies to goods over £15.
This means that for orders under £135, you’ll generally not face any additional customs duties, but VAT could still apply if the value exceeds £15. In your case, Splay (USA) and Saguaro (China) may have handled VAT at checkout, which is why you haven’t seen surprise charges for your orders. However, be prepared for VAT if your order is over the £15 threshold.
How Are Customs Fees Collected?
When customs charges apply, the process is usually very simple. The courier will either send you an invoice via email before delivery or drop a card through your door with instructions to pay the charges online. Once you’ve paid, your parcel will be delivered, often the next day. In some rare cases, you might receive your parcel before being invoiced. In that situation, it’s crucial to settle the charge as soon as possible to avoid additional complications, including potential debt collection.
If you receive an invoice and choose not to pay, the parcel can be returned to the sender, often without additional cost to you as long as the goods haven’t been delivered.
Background: Why Do These Charges Apply?
Since the UK left the EU, goods from the EU are treated like imports from other countries. This means that customs duties, import VAT, and other fees may apply depending on the value and materials of the goods. However, the process for buying barefoot shoes from reputable EU brands is still easy and safe. Many companies are experienced with shipping to the UK, and customs procedures are straightforward.
In Summary:
- Orders under £135 (including shipping) from the EU or outside the EU usually won’t face customs duties but may still incur VAT.
- Orders over £135 will be subject to import VAT and possibly customs duties based on the materials.
- It’s always best to buy from reputable sellers, many of which I’ve reviewed on my site, and to check their VAT and customs policies.
Don’t be afraid to order from Europe or beyond—it’s simple, safe, and often worth the effort to get those great barefoot shoes!
Brit👣
NB: The information provided in this article is based on my personal experience and current knowledge of UK customs procedures at the time of writing. While I have made every effort to ensure accuracy, customs regulations can change, and there may be variations depending on individual couriers and specific orders. I cannot be held responsible for any charges, fees, or delays that you may incur when importing shoes from the EU or beyond. It is always advisable to check with your retailer or courier for the most up-to-date information regarding customs and import fees before placing your order.
