Everything you need to know about customs clearance for shipments from Portugal to the UK, USA, Brazil, and beyond.
Free movement of goods. No declaration needed for standard commercial or personal shipments between EU member states.
Since Jan 2021, UK imports from the EU require full customs declarations. Import duty may apply depending on goods origin and value.
USA, Brazil, China, Switzerland, and all non-EU countries require a commercial invoice and customs declaration.
Must include: sender and recipient full name/address, goods description, HS code (at least 6 digits), quantity, unit value, total value, currency, country of origin, and purpose (commercial sale, gift, sample, repair). Must be in English for most destinations.
Details the contents of each package: number of packages, gross weight, net weight, dimensions, and description of contents per box. Not always legally required but essential for complex shipments and customs inspection.
Certifies EU origin of goods to qualify for reduced duty rates in EU-trade-agreement countries (UK, Japan, Canada, Vietnam, etc.). Issued by Portuguese customs (AT/Alfândega) on export. Must be stamped before goods leave Portugal.
A simplified statement printed on the commercial invoice (below €6,000 value). No customs stamp needed. Must include the exporter's EORI number (EU exporters must register for EORI at AT).
The carrier-issued transport document that identifies the shipment. Required by customs as proof of export. AWB for air; B/L for sea freight.
Required for exports of plants, seeds, and some fresh produce to many non-EU countries. Issued by DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária). Takes 1–5 business days.
| Destination | De Minimis (duty-free) | Typical Import VAT / GST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £135 (~€160) | 20% VAT | UK Global Trade Tariff applies. EU origin gets 0% duty with proof of origin. |
| United States | $800 (~€740) | No federal VAT | Duty applies on commercial value. Some states charge use tax. |
| Brazil | US$50 (~€46) gifts; US$500 for other | ICMS + IOF varies by state | Brazilian customs are strict. Correct HS code critical. |
| Switzerland | CHF 150 (~€160) | 8.1% VAT | EU–Switzerland bilateral agreement reduces duties on many goods. |
| Canada | CAD 20 (~€14) | 5% GST | CETA agreement — EU origin goods often at 0% duty. |
| Australia | AUD 1,000 (~€620) | 10% GST on all goods (no threshold since 2018) | GST collected by carrier at time of import. |
Thresholds and rates change frequently. Verify current rates with the destination country's customs authority before shipping.
No customs declaration is required for shipments between EU member states. Goods move freely within the EU single market. However, some goods (e.g., controlled substances, endangered species) require special permits even within the EU.
An HS (Harmonised System) code is a 6–10 digit classification number that identifies your goods for customs purposes. It determines the import duty rate at the destination country. An incorrect HS code can cause shipment delays, fines, or incorrect duty charges.
A EUR.1 Movement Certificate proves that your goods originate in Portugal (or the EU) and qualifies them for preferential (reduced or zero) import duty in countries that have a trade agreement with the EU. It is required when the goods value exceeds €6,000 — below that, an exporter's statement on origin on the invoice is sufficient.
By default, the receiver (consignee) pays import duties and taxes at the destination country. If you want to pay on the sender's behalf, choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) when booking — available on some carrier services for major destinations.
The UK's de minimis threshold is £135 (approximately €160). Imports valued at £135 or less are exempt from import duty (but not VAT). Imports over £135 are subject to UK customs duty based on the commodity code.
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