Customs for America: import tax and duties to and from the USA
The rules for parcels have changed on both sides of the Atlantic: in the USA from 29 August 2025 and in the European Union from 1 July 2026. Here you will find what they mean for private customers and businesses, with references to the official sources.
The USA is outside the European Union, so every shipment from Greece to America, and the other way round, goes through customs. We take care of customs clearance with our partners. You tell us what you are sending, and we tell you in advance what will be needed and whether the recipient will have to pay anything. This guide explains the general rules. Because they change often, for your own shipment what we confirm to you before you send always applies.
What changed at US customs on 29 August 2025?
From 29 August 2025 the USA suspended the duty-free treatment of low-value parcels, known as de minimis, for shipments from all countries: every imported product is now subject to the applicable duties, taxes and fees, whatever its value. Until the summer of 2025, low-value parcels entered the USA without duties under that exemption. Donations and informational material (e.g. books, printed matter) are excluded, according to US Customs.
In practice this means more documents for every parcel, checks on all shipments and, for commercial goods, a duty calculated on the value and the country of origin of the product. The rates change according to the decisions of the US government, which is why we confirm them for every shipment.
Do private shipments, gifts and olive oil pay duty in the USA?
With our air service, a genuine gift between private individuals worth up to $100 pays no duty, and for private olive oil shipments the recipient pays no customs clearance cost. If you are sending clothes, books, sweets or gifts to relatives and friends in America, the shipment is private. We need the sender’s and the recipient’s details and a list of contents with the value of each item. Tell us what you are sending, and we tell you in advance whether the recipient will have to pay anything.
Gifts: A genuine gift between private individuals, worth up to $100, with the air service: the recipient pays no duty. Commercial shipments pay duty, of at least 15%.
For olive oil: in private shipments with our air service, the recipient pays no customs clearance cost. With sea freight there is always a customs clearance cost. See also olive oil transport.
Can I send food and drinks to the USA?
Yes: for a private shipment we only need the sender’s and the recipient’s details from you, and we prepare the documents for the FDA ourselves. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has its own import rules for food, and the recipient simply receives the shipment. Drinks and alcohol can also be sent to the USA: see sending alcohol.
What documents do commercial shipments need?
- Commercial invoice— with a detailed description, quantity and value of each item.
- Country of origin— for each product, because the duty depends on it.
- Tariff code (HS)— if you know it. Otherwise we help you find it.
- Recipient's details— complete, with a phone number, for customs to get in touch.
Who pays the import duties: DDP or DAP?
Swipe sideways to see the whole table.
| Term | Who pays the duties | What you gain | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | the sender, in advance | the recipient receives with no extra charge | the cost of the duties goes into your own price |
| DAP (Delivered at Place) | the recipient, on delivery | the sender does not prepay duties | the recipient may not expect the charge |
For online shops selling to customers in the USA, DDP usually gives the buyer a better experience. Before you send we tell you which option suits your shipment.
USA → GreeceIs there a minimum exempt value when sending products from the USA to Greece?
No. Since 1 July 2021, every good imported into the European Union, Greece included, pays import VAT whatever its value and needs a customs declaration. Whatever comes to Greece from the USA enters the EU and is cleared through customs here.
From 1 July 2026, the EU also abolishes the duty exemption for low-value small parcels: purchases from online shops outside the EU are charged, on a transitional basis, a fixed duty per product category, until the permanent system applies. The rule covers distance purchases. Gifts between private individuals and household goods follow separate rules.
- Purchase from a US online shop— import VAT and, from 1 July 2026, the small-parcel duty. Some shops already collect them at their checkout.
- Gift from a relative— a private shipment with separate rules. Ask the sender to state that it is a gift and its value.
- Household goods when you return— can be exempt from duties if you lived abroad for the period set by law. We tell you which supporting documents are needed.
If you want something brought from the USA with us, we collect from the sender’s address through our partner network and bring it to your door. See parcels USA – Greece.
Can household goods enter the USA without duty?
Yes: household goods, meaning items you were already using, can enter the USA without duties with the US Customs declaration for unaccompanied personal effects (CBP Form 3299). See transport USA – Greece.
Frequently asked questions
Is there customs on a parcel from America?
Yes. Every parcel from the USA to Greece is cleared through customs and pays import VAT from the very first euro. From 1 July 2026, purchases from online shops outside the EU also pay the small-parcel duty. Gifts between private individuals have separate rules.
What changed for parcels to America?
From 29 August 2025 the USA suspended the duty exemption for low-value parcels (de minimis), for all countries. Every imported product is now subject to the applicable duties and fees.
Can I send gifts to relatives in the USA?
Yes. For a genuine gift between private individuals, worth up to $100, with our air service the recipient pays no customs clearance cost. With sea freight there is always a customs clearance cost. We need the sender’s and the recipient’s details and a list of contents with the value.
Does the recipient pay customs for olive oil in America?
Not in private shipments with our air service: the recipient pays no customs clearance cost. With sea freight there is always a customs clearance cost.
Can I send food to America?
Yes. For a private shipment we only need the sender’s and the recipient’s details. Tell us what you are sending and we tell you what applies to that specific item.
Who pays the duties, the sender or the recipient?
It depends on the term of the shipment: with DDP the sender pays them in advance, with DAP the recipient pays on delivery. We tell you which option applies to your shipment before you send it.
Who handles customs clearance?
We take care of it with our partners. You give us an invoice or a list of contents, and for a relocation the supporting documents we point out to you.
Related guides and services
Sending from or to America?
Tell us what you are sending and we tell you in advance what is needed — a real person answers.