I’ve heard they’ve rescinded the threshold on allowing duty free imports of 150€ and below (it used to exist). The thing is that I’m a avid Zelda fan and would rather import my Switch than paying 520€ for the console alone (the game is 70€), don’t even talk about the pro controller with the stand (that’s another 110€, like WTF?).
Now, I’ve listed the same counterparts upon pre-ordering these things alongside accessories:
- Zelda Switch 2 (日本語・国内専用): ¥62,980 (~354€)
- Zelda Pro Controller w/stand: ¥12,980 (~73€)
- 256GB Micro SD Card (Express): ¥12,000 (~67€)
- Zelda (OoT) Remake: ¥7,755 (~43€)
- TotK NS2 Edition: ¥7,264 (~40€)
- BotW NS2 Edition: ¥7,236 (~40€)
- Switch 2 Case: ¥3,790 (~21€)
- Pro Controller Case: ¥2,490 (~14€)
- Screen Protector: ¥1,598 (~9€)
- Joy Con Stick Covers: ¥999 (~5€)
It adds up to ¥121,119 in customs value. The import VAT varies based on country, I won’t disclose where I reside but let’s say I’m importing to Spain where the rate is 21%. (This is after paying shipping costs via a courier).
spoiler
I’ve used a import duty calculator to estimate the quote, again: this is not representative of the real thing.
850€?! ARE THEY INSANE! WHAT A RIP OFF!
https://ulovi.eu/en/news/customs-small-parcels-temu-shein-2026/
Temu, shein and AliExpress flooded customs over the breaking point, this is the reaction.
OP would have had to pay VAT (and customs) for their purchase from outside EU even before the new regulation came into effect, as its value is well above the 150 € limit.
VAT is applicable for all purchases regardless of the de minimis-limit.
That too but he/she referred to the limit so should know it. Also asking for what changed, that’s how we got here. But you’re right its not really consistent.
As mentioned, the customs value is ¥121,119 for everything. However, the console + game + pro controller & SD card combined is ¥95,715 if I didn’t buy the additional accessories or other games. With a package bearing that kind of commercial value, does it mean taxes are higher?
You get an extra 3€ tax by product category. I don’t know hotlw it’s categorized but could sum up quickly.