The £135 rule
Since 2021, VAT on goods in consignments worth up to £135 sold to UK consumers is charged at the point of sale, by the seller or the online marketplace. DHgate, as a marketplace, adds VAT at 20% at checkout for those orders, and no customs duty is charged on consignments at or below £135. Above £135, the parcel is treated as a normal import: import VAT and any customs duty are charged on arrival, and the carrier adds a handling fee. "Dhgate spreadsheet uk", "uk dhgate spreadsheet", "dhgate uk spreadsheet" and "best dhgate spreadsheet uk" together get about 170 searches a month, on top of 2,900 for the main term.
What UK buyers pay
| Order value | VAT | Duty | Extra fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £135 | 20%, charged at checkout | None | Normally none |
| Over £135 | Import VAT on arrival | Depends on goods and origin | Carrier handling fee |
Single orders under £135 usually arrive with no bill; over it, budget for VAT, duty and a fee.
Delivery to London
Economy lines usually take two to four weeks to the UK, express couriers about a week. Royal Mail and private carriers handle the final leg; if VAT was already collected at checkout, the parcel should not be held. Peak periods before Christmas and around Chinese New Year add delays.
DHgate direct or an agent from the UK
For one or two items, DHgate direct is simple because VAT is already handled. For a haul, an agent parcel can go over £135, which changes the tax position: you then pay import VAT and possibly duty on arrival. Some agents offer UK lines that handle this; ask before shipping. Joyagoo, Superbuy and Sugargoo count the UK among their top markets, and OrientDig's biggest market is the UK. Check status on our index.
Do not split to dodge the limit
Splitting a large order into several consignments solely to stay under £135 is something HMRC looks at, and carriers may combine parcels. Order what you want and accept the tax that applies.
Seizures
UK Border Force seizes trademark-infringing goods, and you may receive a seizure notice. There is no refund from DHgate or agents. Unbranded goods avoid this, which is why our finds page focuses on them.
Popular UK categories
UK searches lean towards shorts, football shirts, puffer jackets and jackets. See our shorts, jersey and outerwear pages. Football shirts carry particular licensing risk; blank and custom kits do not.
Returns from the UK
UK consumer rights for distance selling apply to UK sellers; DHgate disputes follow DHgate's own platform rules. International returns are costly, so measure first and vet sellers with our checklist.
A UK buyer's checklist
- Check that VAT appears at checkout on orders up to £135.
- For hauls over £135, budget import VAT, possible duty and a carrier fee.
- Order winter pieces by October and summer pieces by April.
- Avoid licensed football shirts and branded goods.
- Keep payment and messages inside DHgate.
A worked example
A £60 order of two tees and shorts from one DHgate seller: VAT at 20% is included at checkout, there is no duty, and the parcel should arrive with nothing to pay. A £180 agent haul of shoes, a jacket and accessories is above £135, so import VAT at 20% is charged on arrival, duty may apply to some items, and the carrier adds a fee. Neither is wrong; just know which situation you are in before you pay.
FAQ
Do I pay VAT on DHgate orders in the UK?
Yes. On consignments up to £135, VAT is charged at checkout; above that, import VAT is charged on arrival.
Is there customs duty on UK DHgate orders?
Not on consignments of £135 or less; above that, duty may apply depending on the goods.
How long does DHgate take to the UK?
Economy lines usually two to four weeks; couriers about a week.
Can I split orders to stay under £135?
Splitting solely to avoid tax is not advisable and may be challenged.
Can UK customs seize DHgate items?
Trademark-infringing goods can be seized without refund.
Do gifts from China avoid UK VAT?
The gift relief applies only to genuine gifts between individuals, not to purchases.