Customs, Duties & Refused Packages Policy

At Ulofey, we're dedicated to providing you with high-quality products and a reliable shipping experience. For our international customers, it's crucial to understand the policies surrounding customs duties, taxes, and how we handle refused or unclaimed packages.

1. Responsibility for Customs Duties & Taxes

All import duties, customs fees, taxes (e.g., VAT, GST), and clearance charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient. These fees are levied by your destination country's government and are beyond Ulofey's control.

Ulofey only covers product quality and the initial shipping costs to your address. We do not collect, estimate, or pay duties/taxes on your behalf, as these charges are determined by your local customs authorities based on your country's specific tax laws and regulations.

2. Customs Value Declaration

To help minimize potential tax burdens for our customers, Ulofey may declare a lower customs value on shipping documentation (e.g., commercial invoices) than the actual purchase price. This practice aligns with common e-commerce strategies aimed at leveraging de minimis thresholds, which often allow orders below a certain value to incur no duties.

Please Note: While this can reduce fees in many cases, final charges depend entirely on your country's regulations. Some jurisdictions may reassess the declared value and impose additional charges or penalties for undervaluation.

3. Customs Delays & Disputes

Should customs authorities dispute the declared value or require additional fees:

• You, the recipient, will typically be contacted directly by the carrier (e.g., DHL) to pay any outstanding charges or provide necessary documentation.
• Refusal to pay these charges or failure to provide required documentation can result in significant delays, the return of the shipment, or even its confiscation. Ulofey is not liable for associated costs or refunds in such cases where delivery issues stem from customs disputes or the recipient's failure to comply with local import regulations.

4. Refused or Unclaimed Packages Policy

A "refused package" occurs when a buyer declines to accept delivery upon arrival, or when a package cannot be delivered due to reasons attributable to the buyer (e.g., incorrect address provided, failure to clear customs, refusal to pay duties, or prolonged unavailability for delivery).

Consequences of Refusal: When a package is refused and subsequently returned or disposed of, the following costs and risks typically apply:

• Round-trip Shipping Fees: This includes both the original outbound shipping cost and the return shipping cost. Please note that return shipping fees can often be equal to or even greater than the initial outbound fee.
• Destination Country Customs & Handling Fees: This covers any import duties, storage fees, processing fees, or destruction fees that may arise in the destination country due to the refusal or return.
• Risk of Loss or Damage: There's an inherent risk that the product could be lost or damaged during the return transit.

Refund Process for Refused Packages: If a package is refused by the buyer and subsequently returned to us:

• Fee Deductions: Once we receive the returned item and confirm it's in a resalable, undamaged condition, we will process your refund. However, we will deduct all actual costs incurred due to the refusal, including but not limited to:
  • The original outbound shipping fee.
  • The return shipping fee.
  • Any import duties, storage fees, handling fees, or destruction fees incurred in the destination country.
• Special Circumstances (Lost/Damaged Returns): If the package is lost or significantly damaged during the return transit, making it unsuitable for resale, Ulofey reserves the right to refuse a refund or only refund the remaining amount after deducting the lost or damaged product's value.
• Notification & Evidence: We will notify you of all deducted fees via email or other specified methods and can provide relevant logistics invoices as proof of these charges.

5. Recommendations for a Smooth Delivery

To help prevent unnecessary fees, delays, or the refusal of your package, we strongly recommend:

• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure your shipping address, recipient name, and contact phone number are complete and accurate at the time of order.
• Monitor Tracking: After your order ships, closely monitor the provided tracking information to stay informed about its status and expected delivery.
• Timely Customs Clearance: If contacted by customs or the carrier for clearance procedures or duty payments, please respond promptly to avoid delays or return.
• Understand Your Country's Policies: Before placing your order, familiarize yourself with your country's specific import regulations, de minimis thresholds, and potential customs duties. Tools like DHL's Landed Cost Calculator can help estimate potential fees.
• "Gifts" Are Not Exempt: Marking shipments as "gifts" typically does not exempt them from duties, as many countries enforce strict value limits for gift exemptions (e.g., roughly $100 in the US).

6. Contact Information

For any shipping-related inquiries, including tracking updates or questions about customs forms, please contact us:

• Email: service@ulofey.com
• Live Chat: Ulofey.com