Are you expecting a shipment from abroad?

To speed up the processing of your shipment from abroad, we recommend several steps that will make the whole process easier for both you and us.

  • Once you know the shipment number, please fill out the form at https://www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni; the sooner you do so, the faster we will process your shipment.
  • Please use this digital method; if you have specific requirements, you can also visit the international post office in Prague 120, K Hrušovu in person – however, this is only possible for legal entities or shipments worth more than EUR 150.
  • If you paid VAT when purchasing the goods, enter the IOSS number in the web form to avoid double VAT payment on your shipment – see below.

We understand that your priority is to receive your shipment as quickly as possible and without unnecessary problems, so below you will find the basic information you need for a smooth customs clearance process:

See where your shipment is

The shipment has been posted abroad.

  • If the sender has provided you with the shipment tracking number, you can track its current status on the website of the relevant postal operator, provided that they offer this service.
  • This service is most commonly referred to as T&T (Track and Trace).
  • You can also use other platforms, such as 17track, 4tracking, etc.

Arrival in the Czech Republic

Where your shipment is coming from

1. From a country within the European Union

If the shipment is from a country within the European Union, you basically don't have to do anything because:

  • the shipment is not subject to customs clearance,
  • it is not presented to customs,
  • after sorting, it goes directly to the recipient.

2. From a country outside the European Union (a so-called third country)

If the shipment is from a country outside the European Union, then some cooperation on your part will be required.

More information can be found below, but ideally, please provide us with information about your incoming shipment and authorization via the web form at www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizení

Contents of shipment Online data transfer VAT assessment CLA assessment
Goods up to EUR 150 for private use yes yes no
Goods over EUR 150 for private use yes yes yes
Goods for business purposes yes yes yes
VAT already included in the price of goods - IOSS regime (€0.1-150) yes no no
VAT on goods already included - customs clearance performed by importer Shipment will be delivered without additional charges
Gifts up to EUR 45 yes no no
Gifts EUR 45-150 yes Yes No
Gifts over EUR 150 Yes Yes Yes

Customs duty is always levied on goods and gifts worth more than EUR 150. Customs duty is also levied regardless of value on specific groups of goods, such as alcohol and alcoholic beverages, tobacco and tobacco products, perfumes and toilet waters, etc.

Import regime (IOSS - Import One Stop Shop)

The import regime (IOSS - Import One Stop Shop) under the special OSS single administrative point regime is used for VAT payment:

Shipments containing goods for which VAT has already been paid when purchased from an e-shop (IOSS regime) are exempt from VAT under customs procedures. However, even in these cases, it is necessary to submit an import customs declaration. In such a case, the supplier provides the carrier or the person who will carry out the customs procedure (e.g., Česká pošta) with a tax registration number for the purposes of the import regime (the so-called IOSS number). Submitting the IOSS number as part of customs procedures ensures that the customs office will exempt the goods from VAT and release them for free circulation.

  • The provisions of the VAT Directive directly state that the IOSS number must be included in the customs declaration no later than the moment of filing the customs declaration proposing the release of imported goods into the customs procedure for free circulation.
  • In many cases, the IOSS number is not provided to Česká pošta. As a result, the IOSS number is not submitted to the customs office during customs clearance, which ultimately leads to VAT being reassessed.
  • Based on the EC initiative and the need for a unified approach across EU Member States, this new interpretation of the VAT Directive has now been adopted and transposed into the Czech legal system through Section 71(8) of the VAT Act: "Any subsequent proposal to add the IOSS number to the customs declaration cannot result in the condition for VAT exemption under Section 71(8) of the VAT Act being fulfilled."
  • If the recipient of the goods requests a VAT refund because they have de facto paid it twice, Česká pošta will not request a refund of the assessed VAT from the customs office for the reasons stated above. The recipient of the goods can only assert their claim with the platform (e-shop) where they purchased the goods.

How to deal with customs procedures?

1. Make a note of important information when ordering goods that require customs clearance

When ordering goods, you will receive valuable information that you will need for customs clearance.

In particular, make a note or save:

  • The shipment tracking number (number assigned by the postal carrier)
  • Exact description of the goods
  • Sender details (name, address, postal code, country of dispatch)
  • Price of goods and shipping costs
  • Weight of goods
  • IOSS number (tax identification number of the seller – e-shop – if the purchase price included VAT)

2. Before arrival in the Czech Republic

Before your shipment arrives in the Czech Republic, consider how you want to handle any customs procedures in case your shipment is not delivered immediately. Whether you will be represented by Česká pošta or you will handle the entire customs procedure yourself. The purpose of customs procedures is to check that all obligations and restrictions are complied with, to assess customs duties and VAT, and to release the goods for free circulation.

  1. On behalf of Czechia

    Send us the details of your shipment to www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizení and we will take care of everything else for you. If we need additional documentation for customs clearance, we will contact you.

  2. Or you can complete the customs clearance yourself through the Customs Administration. For more information, visit www.celnicka.cz

  3. Shipments containing goods for which customs clearance has been carried out by the importer (the shipment is issued in an EU member state and released for free circulation) will go directly to the addressee for delivery.

You can fill out the web form at www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni 

  1. Before the shipment arrives in the Czech Republic, if you know the shipment tracking number

  2. Or as soon as we receive data about your shipment from abroad, we will ask you to fill in the form by email, SMS message, or letter with a link to the web form www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni

  • The form is pre-filled with information about your shipment provided to us by the sending postal operator.
  • You can correct or add to the information, or if everything is correct, you can leave it as it is.

3. Arrival in the Czech Republic – Customs clearance

Upon arrival in the Czech Republic, the shipment is taken over by the exchange post office Prague 120, K Hrušovu 293/2, 102 00, Prague 10 – Štěrboholy, and depending on the type and value of the contents, it is decided under which customs procedure the shipment will be cleared, i.e. whether standard customs clearance, special customs procedure, or whether the shipment will go directly to delivery to the addressee:

A. Direct delivery:

  • shipment for which customs clearance was performed by the importer

B. Special customs procedure:

  • shipment with goods worth up to EUR 150 – customs clearance will be carried out and VAT will be assessed
  • shipment under the IOSS procedure worth up to EUR 150 – customs clearance will be carried out, VAT already paid when purchasing from the e-shop

We will carry out customs clearance for you and submit an electronic customs declaration. If you send us the shipment details in advance to www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni , you will SAVE even more!

C. Standard customs procedure:

Applies to shipments that do not meet points A or B, or for which Česká pošta does not have the information and documents necessary to file a customs declaration and subsequently release the shipment into free circulation. Based on the decision of the customs office, this shipment is stored in the temporary warehouse of Česká pošta, and if anything needs to be added or clarified, the addressee is asked to submit the required documents for customs clearance and to grant a power of attorney – indirect representation for representation in customs clearance.

Shipments for which Česká pošta cannot file a customs declaration under a special regime are stored in the temporary warehouse of the Prague 120 post office based on a decision by the customs office.

Reasons why Česká pošta must store a shipment in a temporary warehouse:

  • shipment over EUR 150 for the private use of a natural person
  • shipment for an economic entity (legal entities or natural persons engaged in business/self-employed persons) goods within the scope of business activities/commercial purposes or company assets)
  • non-commercial goods (gifts)
  • the shipment does not contain goods listed in the customs declaration
  • the nature of the goods and, above all, their price are not clear
  • the shipment contains veterinary goods, prohibited goods, goods subject to SPD, etc.

How you will find out about this

We will notify you of these facts by e-mail, SMS or post using the „Notification of arrival of a shipment from abroad". The notification will contain information about all the necessary documents that need to be provided.

4. Payment of VAT and fees

  • VAT, customs duties (if applicable), and costs for representation by Česká pošta during customs proceedings will be paid upon delivery of the shipment as a single fee.

When Česká pošta represents you

We represent both individuals and legal entities in customs proceedings:

  • Individuals: for example, when importing goods (e.g., online purchases) and when importing goods of a non-commercial nature (gifts).
  • Legal entities: natural persons engaged in business/self-employed persons when importing and exporting commercial goods in postal shipments from countries outside the EU on the basis of a commission contract.

Simply fill out the web form at www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni and provide us with information about your shipment (goods, gift).

IYou can obtain information about the customs clearance of your shipment from the Česká pošta customer service line.

You authorize us to represent you in customs proceedings.

We will carry out the entire customs procedure for you and ensure that it runs smoothly:

  • we will become your partner for all communication with the Customs Administration
  • if we are missing any information, we will contact you with a request for additional information
  • we will ensure that your shipment is released into the correct customs procedure and that any customs debt (CLO/VAT) is correctly assessed

We will ensure the payment of any VAT and customs duties to the customs office.

We will deliver the shipment to you and you will pay the assessed VAT, customs duties, if applicable, and the Česká pošta fee for representation in customs proceedings upon receipt of the shipment.

Returned shipments from abroad (from countries outside the EU)

If the foreign operator fails to deliver your postal item, it will be returned to the Czech Republic without delay.

Every returned shipment that was not delivered abroad (you can recognize it by the tracking number with the suffix "CZ," e.g., XY123456789CZ) is subject to customs clearance upon entry into the Czech Republic, and in order for it to be returned to you, it is necessary to submit a customs declaration for this shipment.

For this reason, it is necessary to provide the required documents:

  • if the shipment was sent abroad by post, provide a scan of the postal waybill or postage slip for customs clearance, together with information that no VDD export document was created when the shipment was sent abroad.
  • If the shipment was sent abroad on the basis of a VDD export document, please provide the VDD document for customs clearance, together with the export invoice.
  • Please send the required documents via the web form https://www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni/

In order for us to deliver the shipment back to your address, it is necessary to provide the required documents for customs clearance. We will not deliver the shipment back to you if you indicated "Do not return" on the shipment when sending it abroad or if your mailing address is abroad.

Price list - customs declaration services

1. Goods up to EUR 150 purchased with VAT (VAT already paid when purchasing the goods) - IOSS regime

Goods up to EUR 150 purchased with VAT (VAT already paid when purchasing the goods) - IOSS regime Price (VAT exempt)
Customs clearance based on documents and authorization provided by the addressee www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni – customs clearance of a single shipment for free circulation under the IOSS regime 0 CZK
Customs proceedings without the cooperation of the addressee – submission of one shipment to the customs office under the IOSS regime 0 CZK

2. Goods up to EUR 150 purchased without VAT (VAT assessed during customs clearance in the Czech Republic) - Special regime

Goods up to EUR 150 purchased without VAT (VAT assessed during customs clearance in the Czech Republic) - Special regime Price (VAT exempt)
Customs procedure based on documents and authorization provided by the addressee www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni – customs clearance of one shipment for free circulation under a special procedure CZK 150

3. Gifts, goods over EUR 150, and goods that cannot be released under the special arrangement or the IOSS scheme – temporary storage

Gifts, goods valued at over 150 EUR, and goods that cannot be cleared under a special procedure or the IOSS scheme – temporary storage Price (VAT-exempt)
Gifts up to 45 EUR - Customs clearance of a single shipment for free circulation based on the recipient's authorization via www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni 200 CZK
Gifts over 45 EUR, Goods valued at over 150 EUR and goods that cannot be released under a special procedure or the IOSS procedure - Customs clearance of a single shipment for free circulation with a customs debt guarantee based on documentation provided by the consignee and authorization to www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni 350 CZK

4. Goods for business purposes (standard customs procedure)

Representation in customs proceedings based on the granting of power of attorney
Representation in customs proceedings based on the granting of power of attorney Price (VAT exempt)
Submission of one shipment to the customs office, preparation of a single administrative document (SAD)
- up to 3 items in the customs tariff		 CZK 800
for the 4th and each additional item in the customs tariff CZK 50
Representation in customs proceedings based on the conclusion of a Commission Agreement
Representation in customs proceedings based on the conclusion of a Commission Agreement Price (VAT exempt)
Submission of one shipment to the customs office, preparation of a single administrative document (SAD)
- up to 3 items in the customs tariff		 CZK 700
for the 4th and each additional item in the customs tariff CZK 50

Complete information can be found in the Česká pošta Price List or at any post office.

Other common reasons for importing

In addition to ordered goods and gifts, there are other reasons for importing:

The following must be proven:

  • use of personal property at the usual place of residence for at least 6 months prior to the end of the stay in a third country, or
  • uninterrupted permanent residence in a third country for a period of 12 months.

How to prove this:

  • with a copy of your passport showing your visa, or 
  • a copy of the lease agreement for an apartment (house) in the third country, or 
  • confirmation from a state authority in the country of residence.

Furthermore, it is necessary to provide a list of the items being moved and a statement from the recipient confirming that the goods have been in use for at least 6 months prior to import into the third country and that the personal items listed within 12 months of the date of release, the recipient will use them for the same purpose and will not lend, pawn, rent, or transfer them for consideration or free of charge without informing the Customs Office in advance.

The shipment is subject to an initial veterinary inspection at the Letiště-Ruzyně Border Veterinary Station (tel. +420 220 113 267) if it contains, for example, live animals (Act No. 377/2003 Coll.), animal products, and other veterinary goods. Proof of veterinary inspection confirmed by an official veterinarian must be provided. For more information on import conditions from third countries, visit http://www.svscr.cz/

According to Act No. 353/2003 Coll., the import of unmarked tobacco products is permitted in quantities of up to 50 cigarettes, or 25 cigarillos (weighing no more than 3g each), or 10 cigarillos, or 50 g of smoking tobacco, or a proportional set of these products (only if the conditions set out in Articles 25–27 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1186/2009 are met).

If you are importing more than the permitted quantity, please contact the Prague-Ruzyně Customs Office information line, department 023.1, which is open every working day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on tel. 720 748 353 for information on customs clearance.

They may be released for free circulation provided that these samples are used solely for the purpose of obtaining an order for goods. Samples must be rendered unusable, i.e. by piercing, tearing, obvious and indelible marking, or by other means, without losing their character as samples.

This must be done by the consignee or their chosen representative on the basis of a power of attorney, under the supervision of the customs authorities.

Study supplies and household equipment for pupils or students arriving for a study stay in the customs territory of the European Union.

The following must be provided:

  • confirmation of study (student record book or other equivalent document),
  • list of imported goods,
  • affidavit (stating that the goods are study supplies for the student's personal use).

You must provide a firearms transport document from the country of import (issued by the Czech Police). 

The shipment is subject to special customs clearance procedures, so for more information, please contact the Prague-Ruzyně Customs Office information line, department 023.1, which is open every working day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 720 748 353.

The shipment contains plants (live plants, parts of plants, seeds) or plant products that are subject to mandatory phytosanitary import inspection. Therefore, arrange for import phytosanitary inspection at the Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21 and 22 of Act No. 326/2004 Coll. on phytosanitary care, tel.: 220 114 369, or: 724 283 915, 724 039 912, 725 579 039, 724 285 811, e-mail: fi.praharuzyne@ukzuz.cz or odv@ukzuz.cz. Import inspection is subject to a fee in accordance with applicable legislation. For more detailed information, please visit the ÚKZÚZ website.

The shipment is subject to inspection and special handling procedures. For more information, please contact the Prague-Ruzyně Customs Office information line, department 023.1, which is open every working day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at +420 720 748 353.

The customs declaration must be supplemented with the following information about the contents of the shipment:

  • an accurate and specific description of the goods,
  • the weight of the goods,
  • the invoice,
  • proof of payment, so that the goods can be classified under the appropriate subheading of the customs tariff and the amount of customs duty can be determined.

If the shipment contains goods other than those subject to prohibition and restriction, it is possible to:

  • refuse the shipment (the request will be granted in accordance with the sender's instructions, unless this conflicts with the decision of the customs authorities) or
  • divide the shipment into released and non-released goods. The shipment may only be divided under the conditions of personal clearance of the shipment and payment of all outstanding fees, including above-standard handling, fees for shipment clearance or SD preparation, any storage fees, and return of the non-released contents in their own packaging at the sender's expense to the country of origin of the shipment. see the Czech Post Price List.

Information on veterinary regulations and issues related to the import of veterinary goods can be found on the website of the Municipal Veterinary Administration www.mevs.cz or, for example:

The following must be provided:

  • proof of purchase of the goods,
  • proof of shipment of the goods for complaint,
  • complaint form, or email correspondence with the supplier (clearly stating what was complained about and under what financial conditions).

List of European Union countries

  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Cyprus
  • Lithuania
  • Latvia
  • Luxembourg
  • Hungary
  • Malta
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Austria
  • Romania
  • Greece
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden

*Northern Ireland is not an EU country, but all goods entering (or leaving) Northern Ireland are subject to the Union Customs Code.

Customs and tax territories are an exception – customs procedures must be carried out for these.
  • Denmark: Greenland and the Faroe Islands
  • France: French overseas territories, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Mayotte, and Réunion
  • Italy: Livigno and the territory of Campione d'Italia
  • Germany: Heligoland and Büsingen
  • For the Netherlands, it is the Netherlands Antilles;
  • for Greece, it is the territory of Mount Athos;
  • for Spain, it is the Canary Islands and the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla;
  • for Sweden, it is the Åland Islands.
More information
  • customs territory customs territory (REGULATION (EU) No 952/2013 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL, Customs Code, Article 4).
  • tax territory tax territory (VAT Act, Section 3 Territorial Scope).

Contacts and further information

You can obtain information about the customs clearance process for your shipment from the customer service line.

IYou can also send us information about your shipment and all related documents using the online form at www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni

On October 1, 2021, legislation changed and VAT must now be assessed on all shipments of goods arriving from countries outside the EU. At the same time, a fee must be paid for customs clearance. The price is therefore higher due to the assessed VAT and the fee for representation in customs proceedings.

The Czech Post can take care of customs declarations and VAT payments for you. The best thing to do is to send the necessary info to www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni. You'll pay the VAT and customs clearance fee when you pick up your package

You will pay a fee of CZK 150. The condition is the delivery of documents for customs clearance and authorization via www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni.

Yes, it is possible. For shipments for personal use up to EUR 150, customs declarations can be submitted electronically via the customs administration's eCeP application at www.celnicka.cz. The link also provides information on how to proceed with other types of shipments (over EUR 150, for business purposes, etc.). If you want to complete customs clearance yourself, you must do so before the shipment arrives at the exchange post office.

Yes, it is possible. We will return the shipment to the sender and you will not pay anything. You will only lose the goods you have already paid for.

This amount will always be required from you upon delivery. You can pay it in cash or by card.

It depends on where the shipment was taxed and customs clearance was performed. Some shipments are taxed in an EU member state and released for free circulation. Customs clearance is then handled by the importer, and the shipment is delivered directly to the recipient in the Czech Republic without any additional fees. Customers should be made aware of this fact when ordering goods from a foreign e-shop.

To complete customs clearance, you need to provide the shipment tracking number, a detailed description of the goods, sender information, the value of the goods, the shipping cost, and the weight of the goods. Enter this information at www.postaonline.cz/celni-rizeni.  If we receive shipment data from a foreign postal operator, the form will be pre-filled. You can add to or correct this information, or leave it as it is.

Basically, you provide the Czech Post with the necessary information for any shipment and they will do everything for you:

  • They will ensure the smooth running of the entire customs procedure
  • They will find out what kind of shipment it is and determine what type of customs procedure should be followed
  • You don't have to worry about identification
  • You don't have to find out what VAT rate applies to your goods
  • We will deliver the shipment to you
  • Upon delivery, you will pay only one fee, which includes VAT and the costs of representation in customs clearance
  • We will then pay the VAT to the customs office

We will do our utmost to ensure that you receive the goods you have paid for as quickly and smoothly as possible.

No, in this case, it is not necessary to submit a customs declaration, because goods from EU countries are not subject to customs procedures and are exempt from customs duties and VAT. But be careful, some e-shops may give the impression that you are ordering from the Czech or European market, but the goods are then shipped from China, for example.

All shipments sent from e-shops/companies/legal entities and marked as "gift" are automatically accepted as goods and are subject to new legislation. If you receive a shipment with a value of up to EUR 45 from a country outside the EU and it is from a natural person, this shipment is exempt from VAT and customs duties. Only private individuals can send "gifts" to each other.