This article explains when import duties apply, how Faire estimates them, and what coverage Insiders may receive based on location and order details.
Most international orders may be subject to import duties based on the type of product you’re buying. These duties are calculated using tariff codes provided by the brand and the import tariffs set by your country.
At checkout, we show you an estimated cost of import duties. After your order ships, the carrier will invoice you for all taxes and fees required to import the goods. Keep in mind, the estimate Faire provides includes import duties only.
To learn more about importing international products, you can visit the relevant article to your location: Europe, Canada, Australia and the US.
Can I get free import duties as a European Insider?
If you’re an active European Insider member, we will cover the cost of duties on some eligible international orders. Learn more about our European Insider program.
Can I get free import duties as a US Insider?
No. We temporarily covered import duties for US Insider retailers on eligible orders placed through June 30, 2025. This was a limited-time benefit and is no longer available.
If you place an order with Insider free shipping now, as the importer, you'll be responsible for any import duties charged by customs for your shipment.
How does Faire cover import duties?
If you’re an active European Insider and are placing an order with an eligible international brand, here is how Faire will help you cover import duties:
- We’ll apply a discount to your invoice to offset the estimated import duties and disbursement fee.
- If the actual import duties and disbursement fee you pay to the carrier at customs clearance are higher than the discount, you can request a credit for the difference on your Orders page. You’ll still need to pay the full invoice from the carrier to receive your shipment.
Faire covers:
- Import duties and disbursement fee on eligible Insider orders only.
You are required to cover (including but not limited to the following, if applicable):
- Excise taxes (e.g. alcohol, tobacco)
- Customs processing fees
- Brokerage, storage, or permit fees
- Any other import-related charges not classified as duties
- Indirect taxes which you might owe to your government such as VAT, HST
If you request additional duties credit, Faire may ask you to provide a copy of the customs invoice to verify the amount of import duties charged.
How can I request a duties credit reimbursement?
If the actual cost of import duties and disbursement fees is greater than the discount you received, you can request a refund in Faire credit for the difference when the order is delivered.
To request a duties credit reimbursement:
- Go to Orders
- Select Request Duties Credit
- Enter the total cost of import duties charged by the carrier
- Enter any disbursement fees charged by the carrier
- Submit your request
Your request will be reviewed by our team; if approved, credit will be applied to your invoice right away. If you have already paid for the invoice, you will still receive credit. This credit will be automatically used for your future order(s). If denied, please contact our support team for more information.
What is a disbursement fee, and how can I identify it on my customs invoice?
A disbursement fee (sometimes called an advancement fee) is a charge from the shipping carrier for paying import duties to customs on your behalf before delivering your shipment. It’s standard practice for international shipments and is separate from the duties or taxes themselves.
The disbursement fee, if applicable, may appear on your customs invoice in a few different ways:
- Look for line items labelled “Disbursement Fee,” “Advancement Fee,” or “Handling Fee” on your customs invoice or carrier bill. This fee, when applicable, is usually listed alongside import duties and taxes. Common carriers like DHL, UPS, and FedEx include this fee in the “Duties & Taxes” section of your invoice.
If you’re requesting a reimbursement, ensure the disbursement fee is clearly listed and keep the full customs invoice on hand, as Faire may request it for verification.