Few things sour the excitement of a new outfit like a courier demanding a fee before they'll hand it over. The good news: a surprise customs bill is almost always avoidable. Here's the practical checklist — and how the right seller removes the risk entirely. (For the full country-by-country detail, see our customs and duties guide.)

Why surprise bills happen

A doorstep charge happens for one reason: the parcel was shipped duties unpaid (DAP) and its value is above your country's tax-free threshold. The courier pays the duty and tax to clear it, then collects that from you — plus their own handling fee — before delivery. Avoid that scenario and you avoid the bill.

The checklist to stay charge-free at the door

1. Ask one question first: "Is this shipped duties paid (DDP)?" If yes, you're protected — the price you paid is the price at your door. This single question saves most people.
2. Get the landed price in writing. Item + delivery + duties + taxes, to your address. Compare sellers on this total, not the sticker price.
3. Know your threshold. Check your country's de minimis value so you know whether charges even apply to your order's value.
4. Check the parcel is declared correctly. An accurate description and declared value on the commercial invoice prevents the parcel being over-assessed. Under-declaring is not the answer — it's against the rules and can cause worse problems.
5. Keep your paperwork. Order confirmation and invoice in hand means you can challenge any incorrect charge quickly.
6. Budget a buffer if buying DAP. If duties genuinely aren't included, set aside a realistic amount (often 15–25% of item value, but verify for your country) so it's not a shock.

If a courier does ask for a fee

• Don't panic-pay a wrong amount. Ask for the breakdown (duty, tax, handling) and the basis of the valuation.
• Cross-check against your invoice. If the declared value looks wrong, you can usually request a correction or reassessment.
• Contact your seller. A reputable seller will help you resolve a mis-charge, especially if they shipped DDP and a fee appeared in error.

The simplest fix: buy duties-paid

Every step above disappears if your seller ships duties-paid. At AÏNN London, all orders ship with duties and taxes included — so there's no doorstep invoice — and delivery is free on orders over £500. Customers tell us this is one of the biggest reliefs of ordering with us; as one put it, "no extra charges at delivery — what you see is what you pay." If you'd like the exact landed position for your country confirmed before ordering, just ask.

Read the deeper country-by-country customs guide, see is it safe to order online?, or browse the bridal collection.

Frequently asked questions

How do I avoid paying customs on my outfit?

Buy from a seller who ships duties paid (DDP), so charges are included up front. If duties aren't included, your only legitimate options are to stay below your country's tax-free threshold or to budget for the charge — under-declaring value is against the rules.

Why did the courier charge me a fee?

Because the parcel was shipped duties unpaid and its value was above your country's threshold. The courier paid the duty and tax to clear it and is collecting that plus a handling fee from you.

What is a landed price?

The all-in total to your door: item, delivery, duties and taxes combined. Always compare sellers on the landed price, not the listed item price.

Does AÏNN London include customs duties?

Yes. All AÏNN London orders ship with duties and taxes included, so there's no surprise courier bill, and delivery is free on orders over £500.

AÏNN London ships worldwide with duties and taxes included and free delivery over £500 — the price you see is the price at your door. Ask us to confirm the landed price to your country.

Last updated: June 2026. General guidance, not tax advice; verify current rules with your national customs authority.