Question 1

What is Elevated Risk Surcharge?

Accepted Answer

Elevated Risk surcharge of $30 is applied when shipping to or importing from a destination country, DHL is operating at elevated risk due to continuous state of war, civil unrest, or continuous threats from terrorism.

Countries affected (subject to change):

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Oman, Qatar, Somalia Mogadishu, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Yemen.

Question 2

Does DHL GoGreen mean my shipment is carbon neutral?

Accepted Answer

No. Participation in DHL GoGreen means that carbon offsetting and sustainability initiatives are supported for eligible shipments. It does not mean shipments are carbon-free or have zero emissions.

Question 3

Are there any taxes and duties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All international shipments are subject to import duties and taxes based on your destination country’s rules.

These charges vary by:

Item value

Product type

Country of delivery

📦 comGateway does not control or collect these fees. You’ll be notified by the courier if payment is required.

Country-Specific Guidelines

Here are some general import rules for common destinations. For exact details, please check with your local customs authority.

As of 1 January 2024, GST in Singapore is 9% and applies to all imports, including:

Low-value goods (S$400 or below)

Items shipped via air or post

For more info, visit the IRAS website

A GST Calculation Example:

Cost of Goods: S$390

Freight: S$30

Insurance: S$4.20

GST (9%) = S$38.20 on the full sum

GST Handling Fee:

A 5% administrative fee is charged on the GST amount.

What is the GST handling fee?

It is the processing/administrative fee (5%) levied on the GST amount payable.

Shipments to Australia are delivered duty paid (DDP)—this means all GST and duties are included in your shipping cost at checkout.

No additional payment is needed when your package is delivered.

Key notes:

A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most imported goods, regardless of value. Customs Duty (typically 0-10%, depending on the goods) & import processing fee applies if the value exceeds AUD 1,000.
GST/Duties Handling Fee : A 5% administrative fee is charged on the total GST/Duties amount
This tax is automatically calculated and collected by comGateway at the time of payment
There are no customs clearance delays due to unpaid taxes

✅ Everything is prepaid, and your items arrive ready to open—no surprise fees, no fuss.

Since the UK’s exit from the EU, all imports—including personal goods—are subject to VAT and potentially customs duties, depending on the value and item type.

General guidelines:

VAT (20%) is applied to most imported goods

Items valued under £135: VAT is applied at checkout if the seller is registered, or charged on delivery

VAT Handling Fee:

A 5% administrative fee is charged on the VATamount.

Items over £135: May be subject to both VAT and customs duty, payable to the courier upon delivery

📦 You’ll receive a notification from the courier (DHL or FedEx) if any payment is required before delivery.

Important: Aways check the latest updates via UK HMRC .

Shipping to the Rest of the World

All imported goods are subject to a country's customs and duties. As limits and regulations vary in different countries, we encourage you to check on the website of your country's governing authority.

Shipments to the rest of the world, are delivered with duty unpaid (DDU). This means duties and customs will not be included on your final checkout during shipment.

Duties and custom payments will be made to the courier delivering your package.

Question 4

Can I use the BuyForMe service to purchase eBooks/e-gift cards from any merchant?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. We can’t buy digital goods like eBooks or e-gift cards—only physical items that can be shipped to your U.S. address.

💡 Rule of thumb: If it doesn’t go in a box, and can’t ship it. We probably can’t buy it.

Question 5

What should I do if my package was delivered to the wrong U.S. Address?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the merchant as soon as possible and request for them to re-direct the package to your correct U.S. Address. Please note that the courier will only take instructions from the you, the sender.

Shipping to Hong Kong

Estimate Shipping Cost to Hong Kong

Shipping Solutions Backed by World-Class Couriers

Support

About Us

Learn More

Want First Dibs on Shipping & BuyForMe Discounts?

For comGateway updates