Do I pay VAT on imported goods?

Yes — in most countries, VAT or GST is charged on imported goods in addition to any import duty. How import VAT/GST is calculated: Import VAT = (CIF value + Import Duty) × VAT Rate Key rates (2026): - 🇵🇹 Portugal: 23% IVA (6% on food) - 🇩🇪 Germany: 19% MwSt (7% on food and books) - 🇫🇷 France: 20% TVA (5.5% on food) - 🇬🇧 UK: 20% import VAT (0% on children's clothing, books, basic food) - 🇮🇹 Italy: 22% IVA - 🇦🇺 Australia: 10% GST - 🇨🇦 Canada: 5% federal GST + provincial taxes - 🇺🇸 USA: No federal VAT — state sales tax applies after purchase - 🇸🇬 Singapore: 9% GST - 🇯🇵 Japan: 10% consumption tax Can I reclaim import VAT? Yes — VAT-registered businesses can reclaim import VAT as an input tax credit on their VAT return. This makes imports effectively VAT-neutral for businesses. Consumers cannot reclaim it.