Important Information for Our UK Customers

As a small Canadian business, we’re thrilled to offer our products to customers in the UK! However, due to new international tax regulations and the limitations of Canadian postal services, here’s what you need to know about shipping, VAT, and customs fees.

💡 Why You Might Be Charged VAT Upon Delivery

As of January 1, 2021, the UK requires that VAT (Value Added Tax) be collected upfront at checkout for goods valued under £135. Unfortunately, most Canadian shipping carriers — including Canada Post and Chit Chats — do not support Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) services, which would allow us to charge and remit VAT directly on your behalf.

Instead, all orders are shipped using Delivery Duties Unpaid (DDU), meaning:

  • You will not be charged VAT at checkout

  • Instead, Royal Mail (or your local carrier) may collect VAT (typically 20%) upon delivery

✅ What We’re Doing About It

We’re committed to making this experience as smooth as possible for you. For affected orders:

  • We are refunding shipping fees or the VAT portion, depending on your order

  • We are including an extra tool in your package as a thank-you for your understanding

🧾 What to Expect When Your Package Arrives

  1. Customs Declaration: Your parcel will be clearly labeled as DDU, with a commercial invoice declaring all items properly.

  2. Delivery Notification: You may receive a notice from Royal Mail to pay VAT before your parcel is released.

  3. Payment: VAT can usually be paid online or upon delivery (depending on your location and local procedures).

🛠️ Looking Ahead

We are actively exploring better solutions, including VAT registration and potential fulfillment options for the UK. We’ll update this page as soon as changes are in place!

Questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re always happy to help: info@spartankitchen.ca