Setting Up Order Limits for Non-EU Countries in Dash Checkout
When shipping goods from the EU to non-EU countries, it’s crucial for merchants to be aware of customs duties, VAT, and import regulations in the destination countries. This guide will help you configure order limits in the Dash Checkout Order Limits App to comply with these rules, particularly for shipping to countries like Switzerland, the UK, Norway, and Iceland.
Why Set Order Limits for Non-EU Countries?
Countries outside the European Union (EU) have different regulations concerning customs duties and import VAT for goods being imported. To avoid high costs, complicated customs processes, or additional administrative burdens, businesses often impose order limits on goods shipped to these countries.
Here’s why you may need to set limits when shipping from the EU to the following countries:
- Switzerland:
- As a non-EU country, Switzerland applies customs duties and import VAT on goods above certain values. Limiting orders to 1000 Euros can help avoid higher duties and additional customs fees for Swiss buyers.
- United Kingdom (UK):
- After Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU's single market or customs union. Shipments from EU countries, like Germany, to the UK are treated as imports, meaning UK buyers may face import VAT and customs duties on higher-value goods. An order limit of 1000 Euros can help prevent buyers from dealing with excessive fees.
- Norway:
- Although Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), it is not in the EU. Goods shipped from the EU to Norway are considered imports, with customs duties and import VAT applicable on high-value orders. A 1000 Euro limit helps mitigate these costs for Norwegian buyers.
- Iceland:
- Like Norway, Iceland is in the EEA but not in the EU. Therefore, Icelandic customers face similar customs and VAT regulations. Limiting orders to 1000 Euros can help reduce the burden of taxes and customs duties for them.
General Shipping Scenario:
From EU (e.g., Germany) to Non-EU Countries (Switzerland, UK, Norway, Iceland):
Goods shipped from the EU to these non-EU countries are subject to customs duties, import VAT, and sometimes additional paperwork if the order exceeds certain thresholds (e.g., €1000). Limiting the order value helps avoid these complexities and additional fees for your customers.
How to Set Up Order Limits in Dash Checkout
Follow these steps to configure order limits for non-EU countries (Switzerland, UK, Norway, Iceland) using the Dash Checkout Order Limits App:
Step 1: Set the Maximum Order Value
- Navigate to the Order Limits section within the app.
- Click Create New Rule to set up a new order limit.
- Set the maximum order value to 1000 Euros. This will ensure that no order exceeding 1000 Euros can be placed from these non-EU countries.
Step 2: Configure Market Eligibility
- In the Market Eligibility section, specify the regions where this rule should apply. Use the market regions from Shopify Markets to select the non-EU countries:
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Norway
- Iceland
- You can either enter these regions as comma-separated values (e.g., "Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland") or use the market regions you’ve configured in Shopify Markets.
Step 3: Set Grouping Options
- In the Grouping Options, select Any item. This ensures that the order limit applies to any combination of products in the cart, regardless of the individual items' prices.
Step 4: Set Product Eligibility
- Under Product Eligibility, select All Products. This guarantees that the order limit rule applies to every product in your store for the specified regions.
Step 5: Save and Apply the Rule
- Once you’ve configured the maximum price, market eligibility, and product eligibility, click Save to apply the rule.
This setup will ensure that customers from Switzerland, the UK, Norway, and Iceland cannot place orders exceeding 1000 Euros, helping you comply with local import regulations and avoiding extra costs for your buyers.
Why This Order Limit is Important
By setting this order limit for specific non-EU countries, you help your business avoid complications such as:
- Excessive customs duties and VAT: Orders over €1000 may trigger significant import taxes and duties, leading to higher costs for your customers.
- Customs delays: High-value orders may face more scrutiny at customs, causing potential delays.
- Complex paperwork: Larger orders often require additional customs documentation, increasing the administrative burden for both you and your customers.
By capping order values, you ensure smoother cross-border transactions and a better experience for your customers, who can avoid surprise fees and delays.
Additional Considerations
- Country-specific thresholds: Each country may have different thresholds for VAT or customs duties. While this guide focuses on a 1000 Euro limit, you may need to adjust this based on your knowledge of each country’s specific regulations.
- Currency fluctuations: Keep in mind that exchange rates between Euros and local currencies can affect the real value of your limit. Be aware of significant currency fluctuations and adjust your limits accordingly.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to set order limits in Dash Checkout for non-EU countries and stay compliant with customs and VAT regulations.