Customs Duty on Electronics from the UK 2026 — Calculator and Rate Table

Duty Rate Table for Electronics from the UK — Typical HS Codes

Consumer electronics belong mainly to HS chapter 85 (Machinery, electrical equipment and apparatus). Most devices attract zero or low duty rates. The table below shows typical duty rate ranges for popular electronics categories — treat these as a starting point, not a definitive answer. The exact duty rate depends on the full 10-digit TARIC code, which you can check at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/chapters/85.

Laptops and Computers (HS 8471) — 0% Duty

Laptops, desktop computers, computer monitors and data processing machines typically fall under HS heading 8471 and attract a 0% duty rate on imports to the EU from the UK. This means that for a laptop worth £800, you will pay no duty — but Polish VAT of 23% (approx. £184 on a customs value of £800 + £30 shipping = base £830 x 23%) will always be charged. Check the specific model at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/ — laptops with built-in modems or telephone functions may be classified differently.

Tablets and Phones (HS 8517 / 8471) — Typically 0% Duty

Smartphones, tablets and electronic communication devices typically fall under HS heading 8517. Most of these devices attract a 0% or very low duty rate on imports to the EU from the UK. Note: the UK side (Trade Tariff) and the EU side (TARIC) may use slightly different classifications for some hybrid devices. When buying a phone from the UK, always verify the HS code at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/, because the classification of multi-function devices is not always straightforward.

Televisions, Audio and Cameras (HS 8525–8529) — Varying Rates

Televisions and audiovisual devices may attract higher rates than computer equipment. Typical rates on imports to the EU: cameras (HS 9006) — most commonly 0%; televisions (HS 8528) — from 0% to 14% depending on screen size and technology; audio equipment (HS 8518) — typically 2.3–3.7%. There is no single rate for the entire 'electronics' category — each HS subheading has its own rate. Verify at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/chapters/85 before purchasing.

Calculation Examples — How Much You Will Pay for Electronics from the UK

Even though duty on electronics is often 0%, the total cost of a parcel from the UK increases by Polish VAT of 23% and any courier handling fee. Below are three worked examples for different purchase values. Note: below a goods value of £135 (the UK de minimis threshold) duty is not charged regardless of the rate. For conversions from GBP to EUR, the Polish customs exchange rate published by the Ministry of Finance applies, not the market rate. Polish VAT of 23% applies on arrival in Poland.

Laptop £800 (approx. £936): 0% Duty, 23% Polish VAT

Laptop worth £800 (well above the £135 de minimis threshold). Duty: 0% — £0. VAT base: £800 + £0 duty + £25 shipping = £825. Polish VAT 23%: approx. £189.75. Courier disbursement fee: approx. £11–14. Total additional cost on delivery: approx. £201–204. Despite zero duty, VAT is a significant amount for higher-priced electronics. Check whether the UK shop uses the VAT OSS system — if so, VAT may already be included in the price (for orders under £135).

Television £400: Check the Duty Rate Before You Buy

Television worth £400 (above the de minimis threshold). Duty rate: DEPENDS on the HS code and device specification — may be 0% but also 14% for some televisions. Example at 14%: Duty: £56. VAT base: £400 + £56 + £20 shipping = £476. Polish VAT 23%: approx. £109.48. Disbursement fee: approx. £11–14. Total additional cost: approx. £176–180. Always check the HS code on trade-tariff.service.gov.uk before buying a television from the UK — the difference between 0% and 14% on a £400 purchase is £56.

Camera £300: Typically 0% Duty

Camera worth £300. Digital cameras (HS 9006) typically attract 0% duty on imports to the EU. Duty: £0. VAT base: £300 + £0 duty + £18 shipping = £318. Polish VAT 23%: approx. £73.14. Disbursement fee: approx. £11–14. Total additional cost: approx. £84–87. Always verify the HS code at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/ — cameras with interchangeable lenses, mirrorless systems and action cameras may have different subheadings.

How to Check the HS Code and Duty Rate for Your Electronics

The key to an accurate duty calculation is establishing the correct HS code for your device. Each tariff heading has a specific duty rate assigned. Below we show step by step how to use the HMRC Trade Tariff to find the HS code and rate for your electronic device from the UK. It takes about 5 minutes and can save you from an unexpected charge on delivery.

Step by Step: How to Use the HMRC Trade Tariff to Check Duty

1. Go to https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/. 2. Click 'Find a commodity' and enter your device description in English (e.g. 'laptop computer', 'digital camera', 'smart television'). 3. The system will display a classification tree — select the appropriate subheading for your device. 4. On the HS heading page, find the 'UK import third country duty' column — this is the rate applicable for exports from a third country (UK side) or 'EU duty' on the EU TARIC side. 5. Note the HS code and rate — use them in your duty calculation. If you cannot find the code or are in doubt — contact us before purchasing.

When Is It Worth Consulting a Customs Broker Before Buying Electronics from the UK?

A consultation with a customs broker is particularly worthwhile when: (1) you are planning a purchase above £500 and want to be certain about the calculation; (2) the device is multi-function (e.g. 2-in-1 tablet, IoT device, drone) and the HS classification is not obvious; (3) you want to purchase several devices at once. Easy Clearance provides free classification advice for straightforward cases — message us via WhatsApp or call before finalising your purchase.

What the current rules say

Customs duty on most electronics from the UK is 0% (laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras), but televisions and some audiovisual devices may attract up to 14% — always verify the HS code on trade-tariff.service.gov.uk before purchasing. Despite zero duty, Polish VAT of 23% always applies and represents a significant sum for higher-priced equipment. Below the £135 de minimis threshold there is no duty at all. This article reflects the legal position as at 2026-04-18 — please consult a customs broker before taking action.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

How much duty will I pay on a laptop purchased in the UK?

Laptops (HS 8471) typically attract a 0% duty rate on imports to the EU. You will pay no duty, but Polish VAT of 23% always applies. For a laptop at £800 (above the de minimis threshold), this means approx. £184–190 VAT + courier disbursement fee (approx. £11–14).

Is a television from the UK subject to customs duty?

Possibly. Televisions (HS 8528) may attract a duty rate from 0% to 14% — depending on the specific HS subheading and specification. Always verify the HS code at https://www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk/ before buying a television from the UK.

Do I need to pay duty on a phone purchased in the UK and brought back in my luggage?

If you are bringing the phone back as a personal item (not a commercial purchase) and its value falls within the traveller's allowance (up to £430 on air/sea routes or £300 on land routes), you are exempt from duty. Above the allowance — duty and VAT apply.

How do I calculate the total cost of a parcel containing electronics from the UK?

Formula: (1) Duty = goods value x duty rate (verify on trade-tariff.service.gov.uk); (2) VAT base = goods value + duty + shipping; (3) Polish VAT = base x 23%; (4) Courier disbursement fee (approx. £11–14). For electronics with 0% duty: the additional cost is mainly VAT + disbursement fee.

Can I avoid paying Polish VAT on electronics from the UK?

If the UK shop uses the VAT OSS system and collected VAT at the point of purchase, you will not pay it again on delivery — but this applies to parcels valued at up to £135. Above £135, Polish import VAT applies regardless of the seller's actions.

Official sources

• HMRC Trade Tariff — Chapter 85 — HMRC
• Customs Duty on goods sent from abroad — GOV.UK
• Podatki.gov.pl — VAT — Polish Ministry of Finance
• UK Trade Tariff (UI) — search tool — HMRC
• EU Customs Tariff TARIC — EC TAXUD