Customs Valuation
Customs valuation determines the customs value used to calculate ad valorem customs duties and many related import charges. It is connected to but distinct from corporate transfer pricing and VAT taxable amount rules.
Source check date: 2026-06-11.
Legal Basis
EU law:
- UCC Articles 69 to 76, CELEX 32013R0952. Official link: UCC.
- UCC Implementing Act Articles 127 to 146, Article 347, and Annexes 23-01 and 23-02. Official link: Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447.
- DG TAXUD customs valuation page.
International law:
- WTO Customs Valuation Agreement: WTO customs valuation.
Practical Meaning
The primary method is transaction value: the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the Union, adjusted where required. If transaction value cannot be used, fallback methods apply in order.
Key Compliance Points
- Confirm there is a sale for export to the EU.
- Check whether buyer and seller are related.
- Check whether the relationship influenced the price.
- Add required items such as certain commissions, assists, packing costs, royalties and licence fees, and transport and insurance costs to the place of introduction where applicable.
- Deduct only permitted items where they are separately identified and meet the legal conditions.
- Keep contracts, invoices, transfer pricing documentation, royalty agreements, transport and insurance evidence.
Related-Party Transactions
Related-party status does not automatically reject transaction value. The importer must be able to demonstrate that the relationship did not influence the price or that the value is acceptable under the customs valuation rules.
Transfer pricing documentation can be useful evidence, but tax transfer pricing rules do not replace customs valuation rules.
Royalties and Licence Fees
Royalties and licence fees may need to be added to customs value when they relate to the imported goods and are a condition of sale under the applicable valuation rules.
Practical Warning
Do not assume the accounting invoice value, transfer price, customs value, VAT taxable amount and insurance value are the same. Each has its own legal rule set.
Dynamic or Member State-Specific Notes
Valuation simplifications and audit expectations may vary by Member State. Customs authorities can review valuation after release through post-clearance controls.