Customs duties for cross-border purchases are paid by the buyer, not the seller, and only when the order exceeds the duty-free threshold: over 200 EUR or heavier than 31 kg. For the vast majority of goods from 1688, this threshold is not reached, so duties do not affect their unit economics.
How payments work
- duty-free threshold: 200 EUR in value or 31 kg in weight
- duty: 15% of the amount exceeding the threshold
- customs fee: 689 ₽
- delivery to a pickup point or via courier: the buyer pays the duty at checkout, no additional payments required later
- delivery via Russian Post: the duty is paid upon receipt
What this means for the seller
- duties are not included in marketplace tariffs or commissions; they are outside the seller's economics
- expensive goods (above ~20,000 ₽) become more expensive for the buyer due to the duty; factor this into your competitive analysis
- customs clearance of shipments is handled by the marketplace; no documents are required from the seller
Related topics: what documents are actually required and delivery costs.
Frequently asked questions
Who handles customs documents?
The marketplace and its logistics partners. The seller does not prepare declarations or communicate with customs; the seller's responsibility ends upon handing over the goods at the shipment point.
Is the 200 EUR threshold calculated with or without delivery?
The threshold applies to the order value for the buyer. Practical takeaway for the seller: goods priced near the threshold sell worse because the buyer sees the additional charge. Either price confidently below the threshold or compete in a segment where all competitors pay the same duty.
Can a buyer refuse to pay the duty?
For delivery to pickup points and via courier, the duty is paid at checkout; the only way to refuse is not to place the order. With Russian Post, non-payment of the duty results in an uncollected order with all the associated return consequences for the seller: what happens with uncollected orders.
Do I need to prepare customs declarations for my shipments?
No, customs clearance is handled entirely by the marketplace. You do not need to provide any documents or communicate with customs authorities.
Who is responsible for paying customs duties on cross-border orders?
Customs duties are paid by the buyer, not the seller. These costs are outside of your unit economics and are not included in marketplace tariffs or commissions.
How does the 200 EUR duty-free threshold affect my sales?
Goods priced near the 200 EUR threshold are harder to sell because the buyer sees an additional charge. It is recommended to either stay below this threshold or compete in segments where all sellers face the same duty.
What happens if a buyer refuses to pay the duty for a Russian Post delivery?
If the buyer does not pay the duty upon receipt, the order remains uncollected. This results in the standard return consequences for the seller.
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