TL;DR: trade agreements between countries can reduce or remove import duty on some goods, but whether one applies to a particular ring depends on the rules of origin, on how the goods are classified and on the current terms of the agreement. We cannot promise that a trade deal removes duty on your ring, and sales tax is separate from duty in any case. The customer pays import duty and tax, and we explain what to expect before you order. Pieces start from £600.
Duty and tax are different
Import duty is a charge on the goods themselves, set by the importing country. Sales tax, such as GST, HST or VAT, is a separate charge on the sale. A trade agreement may affect duty, but it does not normally remove sales tax. When people say a trade deal means no charges, they are often thinking of duty only.
What a trade agreement can do
A trade agreement between the UK and another country can set lower or zero duty on goods that meet its rules. To qualify, goods generally need to meet origin requirements, which look at where the goods were made and where their materials came from. A ring made from materials sourced from several countries may not qualify automatically, and proof of origin may be needed.
Why we do not promise a result
Agreements change, rules are detailed, and each shipment is assessed when it arrives. We do not want to tell you that no duty applies and then have you surprised by a bill. We would rather explain the position honestly, tell you what to expect and let you budget with a margin. If a trade agreement does reduce your charges, that is a welcome bonus.
A budgeting approach that works
Treat the possible charges as part of the cost of the ring from the start. Once we have quoted your ring in writing, look at the total on the invoice, find the current duty and sales tax position for your province or state, and set aside an amount that covers the higher end of what you expect. If you end up paying less, you have a pleasant surprise instead of an unpleasant one. For the Canadian taxes in particular, see our guide to GST and HST on a ring bought from the UK.
Be wary of confident claims
Online forums and sales pages sometimes state flatly that a trade deal means a ring will arrive free of charges. Treat that with caution. Such claims rarely mention origin rules, tax or courier fees, and they cannot know how your particular parcel will be assessed. The most reliable sources are the customs authority of your own country and the courier handling your delivery.
What to do
- Ask us what we expect for your destination.
- Check the current position on your own country's customs website.
- Budget for duty and tax as a possibility.
- Keep your invoice and design approval for the customs process.
Who pays
The customer pays import duty and tax. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and the courier will tell you if anything is due on arrival. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask covers the wider process, and reading your invoice and certificate explains our documents.
Planning ahead
If you are in Canada, our guide to winter proposals in Canada has ideas for timing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, and nothing is made until you approve the design in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a trade deal remove duty on my ring?
It may reduce duty, depending on origin rules and current terms. We cannot promise it, so budget for charges.
Does it remove sales tax?
Not normally. Sales tax is separate from duty.
Who pays?
The customer pays import duty and tax.
Where can I check?
Your own country's customs website has the current position.