VAT and customs on AliExpress Spain: 2021 guide
If you buy from outside the European Union, VAT, customs and shipping to Spain on AliExpress have changed since July 2021. Before, low-value orders came in tax-free; now the rule is different. In this guide I'll explain, plainly and clearly, how taxes work on AliExpress today, what happens with the €150 threshold, and in which cases AliExpress already charges VAT at checkout. That way you'll know what to expect with each order and avoid nasty surprises with the courier or at customs.
What changed in July 2021 with import VAT
Until 30 June 2021, there was a VAT exemption for shipments of up to €22. Many Ali Express orders arrived without paying anything extra. That exemption is gone.
Since 1 July 2021, the European Union eliminated that "tax-free minimum". Now, in theory, all imported products pay VAT, no matter how little they cost. The goal was to level the playing field between European stores and platforms based outside the EU.
The good news is that the EU created a system to simplify it: the IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop). Thanks to it, platforms like AliExpress Spain can charge VAT directly at the time of payment, so in many cases you don't have to worry about customs.
The €150 threshold: the key figure you should remember
The point that causes the most confusion is the €150 threshold. It's the line that separates two ways of being taxed:
- Orders worth €150 or less: they pay VAT, but no customs duties. This is where the IOSS system comes into play and where AliExpress usually charges VAT at checkout.
- Orders worth more than €150: they pay VAT and may also pay customs duties, plus possible handling fees from the shipping company.
Watch out for one detail: that €150 value refers to the price of the goods, not counting shipping costs or the VAT itself. Even so, it's worth keeping an eye on the order total, because grouping many items in a single shipment can push you over the limit.
Is VAT applied to the price or the total?
VAT is calculated on the value of the product plus shipping costs. That's why the final amount is sometimes a bit higher than you expected. In Spain, the standard rate is 21%, although some products have reduced rates.
When AliExpress already charges VAT at checkout
This is the part that interests you most as a buyer. In most everyday purchases, AliExpress includes VAT directly in the final price before you confirm the order.
This happens mainly when:
- The order value is €150 or less.
- The seller or the platform are enrolled in the IOSS system.
- The item ships from outside the EU.
In these cases you'll see the VAT itemized on the payment screen. By paying it in advance on aliexpress, the package should clear customs without anyone charging you money upon receipt. It's the most convenient and transparent way to shop.
When the order exceeds €150, things change. AliExpress may not handle all the taxes, and then it will be customs and the shipping company who calculate the VAT, duties and their handling fees before delivering your package.
And what if the product ships from a European warehouse?
Many AliExpress sellers have stock in warehouses within Spain or the EU. If you choose a shipment leaving from Spain, Germany, Poland or another European country, there's no import: the product is already inside the EU, so you don't go through customs and there are no surprises. Plus, it usually arrives much faster.
Customs and handling fees: what happens when you receive the package
Although IOSS has greatly reduced problems, there can still be cases where customs steps in. This usually happens when:
- The order exceeds €150.
- The seller didn't apply IOSS correctly.
- Customs decides to inspect the shipment.
In these situations, the courier company (Correos, SEUR, DHL, etc.) may charge you the outstanding VAT, possible duties and some handling or "customs clearance" fees. These handling fees are set by the shipping company itself, not by AliExpress, and vary from one company to another.
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Practical tips to shop without surprises on AliExpress Spain
To make your purchases on AliExpress in English go smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Always check the final price at checkout. If VAT is included, it's being charged in advance and you shouldn't pay more upon receipt.
- Keep an eye on the €150 threshold. If your cart is approaching that figure, consider splitting the purchase into several orders to avoid duties.
- Prioritize shipping from Spain or the EU when the price is similar. You avoid customs and gain speed.
- Keep the invoice or order receipt. It will help if customs or the courier wrongly charges you for something.
- Check the shipping method before paying. Methods with tracking and tax handling cause fewer problems.
- Be wary of suspiciously low prices that don't include taxes: the savings can vanish at customs.
A simple example to understand it all
Imagine you buy some headphones for €30 on Ali Express with shipping from China. Since it's below €150, AliExpress will charge you the VAT at the time of payment. You'll see the amount itemized and the package will arrive with no additional charges.
Now imagine you buy a drone for €200. Since it exceeds €150, you may have to pay VAT and duties on arrival, plus the courier's handling fees. In this case it's worth carefully calculating the total cost before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay VAT on every AliExpress purchase?
Yes. Since July 2021, the exemption for low-value shipments disappeared, so all imports pay VAT. The difference is that on many orders AliExpress already charges VAT at checkout, so you don't have to do anything else when you receive the package.
What happens if my order exceeds €150?
If the value of the goods exceeds €150, in addition to VAT you might pay duties and the shipping company's handling fees. In these cases, customs usually calculates the taxes before delivering your package.
How do I know if AliExpress has already charged me VAT?
Check the order summary before paying. If there's a line with VAT included in the final price, it means it's being charged in advance and, as a rule, you shouldn't pay anything else when you receive your purchase.
Can I avoid customs by buying on AliExpress Spain?
The best way to avoid customs procedures is to choose products with shipping from European or Spanish warehouses. Since they're already inside the EU, there's no import, you don't go through customs, and the order arrives much sooner.
Conclusion
Understanding VAT, customs and shipping to Spain is no longer complicated. The key lies in the €150 threshold and in checking whether AliExpress charges VAT at checkout. With those two facts clear, you'll shop with complete peace of mind and no last-minute surprises. Now that you know it all, head to AliExpress Spain, compare deals, prioritize shipping from the EU, and take advantage of the best prices with the confidence of knowing exactly how much you'll pay. Happy shopping!
How to calculate the real cost of your order step by step
Many shoppers focus only on the product price and forget about VAT and possible handling fees. To avoid surprises, it is worth making a quick estimate before confirming payment. Remember that VAT in Spain is 21% and is calculated on the value of the product plus shipping costs.
| Product value | Shipping | VAT (21%) | Customs duties | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €15 | €2 | €3.57 | €0 | €20.57 |
| €50 | €4 | €11.34 | €0 | €65.34 |
| €120 | €8 | €26.88 | €0 | €154.88 |
| €200 | €15 | €45.15 | from ~5% | from approx. €270 |
As you can see, below €150 the calculation is simple: you just add 21% VAT. Above that figure customs duties come into play, which vary depending on the type of product (between 0% and more than 12% on some items such as footwear or textiles), plus the carrier's clearance fees.
Practical tip: before buying an expensive item, look for the same model in a European warehouse. Even if the price is €10-15 higher, you save on customs duties, clearance fees and waiting time, so it almost always works out cheaper.
What to do if you are charged taxes you already paid
It can happen that AliExpress charged you VAT at checkout via IOSS and, even so, the carrier asks you for the tax again on delivery. In that case do not pay without checking. Keep the order receipt showing the VAT breakdown and the IOSS number, and present it to the courier company to claim a refund of the duplicate charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The 21% VAT is calculated on the value of the product plus shipping costs, so the final amount is slightly higher than the product price alone.
Customs duties vary by product type, from 0% up to more than 12% on items such as footwear or textiles. They are added on top of VAT and the carrier's handling fees.
Yes. If AliExpress already charged you VAT via IOSS and the carrier claims it again, present the receipt with the VAT breakdown and the IOSS number to request a refund.
It can help if each shipment stays below €150, as you would then only pay VAT and no duties. They must be genuine, separate shipments.
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