Guide · Updated September 29, 2026

Buying luxury from Italy or the UK: will you pay import duties?

Many luxury stores ship worldwide, but they don't all handle duties and taxes the same way. Some include them at checkout; others leave them to be paid when the parcel arrives.

1. 01Find out where the item ships from

   The rules depend on the country the parcel leaves from and the country it goes to. Italist ships from Italy. Hardly Ever Worn It is based in the UK. The Apartment Cosenza is in Italy.

2. 02Check whether duties are included at checkout

   Some stores calculate duties and taxes at checkout, so the price you pay is final. Italist works this way: duties and taxes are shown at checkout, with no extra fees on delivery.

3. 03Or plan to pay on delivery

   Other stores leave duties to the buyer. HEWI says international orders may be charged import duties and taxes when they reach your country, set by your local customs, and it can't predict the amount. The carrier usually asks for payment before handing over the parcel.

4. 04Estimate before you buy

   Look up your own customs authority's rules for clothing, bags or jewelry from that country. Rates and thresholds change, so check them on the day you order rather than relying on an old forum post.

5. 05Remember duties on returns

   Returning an item doesn't always get your duties back. At Italist, customs duties are deducted from card refunds. At HEWI, returns involving customs charges are refunded minus return shipping and a handling fee.