Customs, VAT and shipping: ordering a K-pop album from Korea
3 min de lectura · Actualizado el 8 de septiembre de 2026
Esta guía se muestra en inglés hasta que esté lista su traducción.
An album or lightstick shipped from South Korea enters the European Union like any non-EU parcel: it is subject to VAT and, above a threshold, to customs duties. This guide explains the general EU rules, what pocabase includes in its prices and what to expect for delivery times.
VAT: due on every parcel, whatever the amount
Since 1 July 2021 the EU VAT exemption for low-value parcels (under EUR 22) no longer exists. Every parcel from a third country is subject to the VAT of the delivery country (20% in France, 19% in Germany, 21% in Spain, 22% in Italy, 23% in Poland, etc.), calculated on the product value plus shipping.
Two ways to pay it: either the seller collects it at checkout (IOSS scheme, for consignments up to EUR 150) and the parcel clears customs with nothing asked of the recipient; or the carrier charges it on delivery, with a handling fee on top (often EUR 5 to 15 depending on the carrier).
Customs duties: above EUR 150
Customs duties only apply to consignments whose intrinsic value (excluding shipping) exceeds EUR 150. A single album or a lightstick usually stays under that threshold; a large group order can exceed it. The rate depends on the type of product (CD, stationery, textile item, etc.) and is calculated on the goods value plus shipping and insurance.
Consignments are cleared as a whole: several items in one parcel are added together against the threshold.
What pocabase includes
Prices shown on pocabase include VAT, shipping and estimated import charges: the amount paid at checkout is the final amount, with no fees charged on delivery. The estimate is based on the weight declared by the supplier and the chosen destination.
Orders leave the supplier warehouse in Korea after confirmation; for pre-orders, dispatch follows the album's official release date.
Delivery times: allow 10 to 20 days
A standard Korea to Europe shipment usually takes 10 to 20 working days from dispatch to delivery, customs clearance included. Pre-orders add the wait until the album's release, then the distributor's preparation time (often 3 to 10 days after release for big releases).
Tracking hands over from the Korean carrier to the local carrier on arrival in the country; a parcel can show "in customs" for several days without anything being wrong.
Outside the European Union
The United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway or Brazil apply their own thresholds and rates. The principle is the same: VAT (or equivalent tax) on import, duties above a national threshold, possible carrier handling fees. Check your country's rule before a group order.
Preguntas frecuentes
Will I pay fees on delivery?
Not for a pocabase order: prices include VAT, shipping and estimated import charges. For a purchase elsewhere, VAT and handling fees may be charged on delivery if the seller did not collect them.
From what amount are customs duties charged?
In the EU, above EUR 150 of intrinsic value per consignment (excluding shipping). Below that, only VAT is due. Items in the same parcel are added together.
How long does it take to receive an album?
Allow 10 to 20 working days from dispatch in Korea to delivery. For a pre-order, add the wait until release and 3 to 10 days of preparation.
Why is my parcel stuck in customs?
Customs clearance often takes 1 to 5 working days with nothing wrong. If the carrier asks for a payment, the seller did not collect VAT: it must be paid to release the parcel.