Customs Duties and Taxes

Last updated: Sep 4, 2025

This page outlines the tax and customs duties policy applicable to customers in the United States, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Canada when purchasing from www.cosmedeparis.com.

United States

  • Temporary Suspension of Shipping: Due to recent U.S. Customs regulatory changes, shipments from France to the United States are currently unavailable.
  • Next Steps: We will provide full guidance and resume options as soon as shipping to the U.S. restarts.

Hong Kong SAR

  • No Import VAT/GST: Hong Kong does not impose VAT, GST, or general sales tax on personal-use imports.
  • Duty-Free: Most goods (including cosmetics) are duty-free.
  • Exceptions: Dutiable/restricted goods such as alcohol or tobacco may be taxed and/or controlled.
  • Handling Fees: Couriers may charge separate handling/brokerage fees.

Singapore

  • GST on Low-Value Goods (OVR Regime): Under Singapore’s Overseas Vendor Registration (OVR) regime, GST-registered overseas sellers/platforms must charge 9% GST at checkout on low-value goods (typically ≤ SGD $400) supplied to consumers in Singapore.
  • Imports Above SGD $400: For shipments above SGD $400, 9% GST is generally collected at import (e.g., by the carrier on behalf of Singapore Customs).
  • Not GST-Registered Overseas Vendors: If the overseas seller is not GST-registered under OVR, GST may instead be collected at import depending on shipment value and mode.
  • Valuation Basis: Customs valuation generally includes CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight).

South Korea

  • De Minimis Threshold: Personal-use imports with a total customs value (including shipping) of ≤ USD $150 are generally exempt from duties and VAT.
  • Above Threshold: Shipments above USD $150 may be subject to import duties and 10% VAT. Additional restrictions/inspections can apply by product category.
  • Valuation Basis: Declared value typically includes CIF (product + shipping + insurance).

Japan

  • De Minimis (Personal Imports): If the taxable base (personal-import simplified valuation) is ≤ JPY ¥10,000, customs duty and consumption tax are generally exempt.
  • How the Taxable Base Is Calculated: For personal-use imports, Japan Customs commonly applies a simplified method (“60% rule”). The taxable base is typically calculated as 60% of the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). In practical terms, this means that CIF of around ¥16,666 or less generally falls within the exemption.
  • Above the Threshold: When the taxable base exceeds ¥10,000, Japan’s consumption tax (currently 10%) and, where applicable, customs duty may apply. Certain categories can be subject to inspection or separate rules.
  • Notes: Some goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, certain apparel/leather items) have special rules or may not qualify for simplified treatment even under the threshold.

Canada

  • De Minimis by Shipping Method: For postal shipments (e.g., via Canada Post), imports valued at ≤ CAD $20 are generally exempt from duties and taxes.
  • CUSMA Courier Thresholds: For courier shipments from the U.S. or Mexico, Canada applies de minimis thresholds of CAD $40 (taxes) and CAD $150 (duties). Values above these thresholds may incur GST (5%) plus PST/HST depending on the province.
  • Valuation Basis: Customs valuation generally includes CIF (goods + shipping + insurance). Couriers may also charge brokerage/processing fees.
  • Product Categories: Most personal-use cosmetics and supplements are not dutiable; inspections or additional charges may apply based on classification.

Important Notes for All Customers:

Customs rules can change and may vary by product, shipping method, and declared value. We recommend contacting your local customs authority or your chosen delivery provider for the latest regulations regarding duties, taxes, and handling charges in your region.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general reference only. In the event of any discrepancy, the most recent regulations of the destination country’s customs authority will prevail.