Quick summary
- Unless FabNow3D confirms DDP in writing, international shipments are normally handled under DAP-style terms.
- Our quote may include manufacturing and international shipping, but usually does not include destination duties, VAT/GST, brokerage, disbursement, storage, or customs clearance fees.
- The recipient or importer is responsible for responding to customs or carrier requests and paying destination charges on time.
- Delays in document submission, tax payment, or carrier response can cause storage fees, delivery delays, return shipping, or disposal risk.
Our standard international term: DAP
DAP means the seller arranges shipment to the destination place, while the buyer or recipient handles import clearance requirements and destination government charges. This is common for international custom manufacturing because duties and taxes are controlled by the destination country.
FabNow3D usually handles
- Manufacturing, inspection, packaging, and export preparation.
- Commercial invoice and shipment information required by the carrier.
- International shipment booking when shipping is included in the quote.
Customer usually handles
- Import duties, VAT/GST, local customs fees, and carrier collection charges.
- VAT, EORI, tax ID, importer details, broker instructions, or extra documents required locally.
- Timely response to carrier emails, SMS notices, payment links, or customs requests.
What is included and what is not included
Usually included in quote
Quoted manufacturing cost, selected materials, agreed post-processing, inspection, packaging, and international shipping cost when shipping is shown on the quote or checkout.
Usually excluded from quote
Import duties, VAT, GST, sales tax, customs brokerage, carrier disbursement fees, storage fees, inspection fees, redelivery fees, and local clearance service fees.
DDP option
If you need duties and taxes prepaid, request a DDP quote before payment. Availability depends on destination, product classification, declared value, carrier route, and customs rules.
Final amount
FabNow3D can provide reasonable shipment documents, but customs authorities and carriers determine the final tax and fee amount at import.
Understanding duties, VAT/GST, and clearance fees
Import duties
Duties are usually calculated from HS code, product type, declared value, country of origin, and destination country rules. For prototypes and demonstration models, certain classifications may have low or zero duty in some regions, but customs makes the final decision.
VAT, GST, or sales tax
VAT/GST is normally calculated using local tax rules and may apply even if the duty rate is zero. Some countries charge VAT/GST at import, while others may use sales tax or other consumption-tax systems.
Brokerage and disbursement
Carriers or brokers may charge an administrative fee for customs processing. If the carrier advances tax payment on behalf of the recipient, an extra disbursement or advancement fee may be added.
Storage and delay fees
If customs documents or tax payments are delayed, the parcel may incur warehouse storage, redelivery, return, or disposal-related costs. These costs are outside FabNow3D's control.
How customs clearance usually works
- Shipment is booked. FabNow3D provides the carrier with shipment details, declared value, description, and commercial invoice information.
- Carrier contacts recipient. The carrier or broker may request tax ID, VAT/EORI number, importer authorization, payment, or additional documents.
- Customs reviews the parcel. Local customs calculates duties, taxes, and fees based on declaration and local rules.
- Recipient pays charges. Payment may happen before arrival, during clearance, through an online carrier link, or at delivery depending on route and carrier.
- Delivery is released. After clearance and payment, the carrier completes last-mile delivery.
VAT number, EORI, and business import preparation
EU business importers should prepare valid company details before shipment. A VAT number and EORI number may help customs identify the importer and may be required for business import clearance.
Prepare before shipment
- Legal company name and delivery address matching tax records.
- Valid VAT number, EORI number, contact person, phone, and email.
- Broker or customs instructions if your company uses a preferred broker.
VAT recovery depends on your local rules
- Some businesses may reclaim import VAT through tax filings.
- Some regions offer postponed VAT accounting or similar import VAT mechanisms.
- FabNow3D cannot provide tax advice; confirm with your accountant or customs broker.
Customer checklist before international shipment
- Confirm delivery address, recipient name, phone number, email, postal code, and company name.
- Provide tax ID, VAT number, EORI number, or importer registration details if required in your country.
- Monitor emails, SMS messages, and calls from DHL, FedEx, UPS, brokers, or customs after tracking is issued.
- Pay required import charges promptly to avoid delays, storage charges, return shipping, or disposal.
- Tell us before payment if you require DDP, special invoice wording, a preferred broker, or customer carrier account shipment.
Common questions
Why did the carrier ask me to pay after I already paid FabNow3D?
Your FabNow3D payment may cover manufacturing and shipping, while destination customs charges are separate government or carrier fees collected during import.
Can FabNow3D tell me the exact tax before shipping?
We can provide invoice details and reasonable guidance, but the final amount is assessed by destination customs and the carrier or broker.
What happens if I do not pay duties or taxes?
The parcel may be delayed, stored at extra cost, returned, or disposed of according to carrier and customs rules. Related costs may be charged to the customer.
Can I request DDP?
Yes, request DDP before payment. We will confirm whether prepaid duties and taxes are available for your destination, value, product type, and carrier route.
Need help preparing import details?
Send your destination country, company status, carrier preference, tax ID/VAT/EORI requirements, and order details before payment so we can confirm the practical shipping approach.