What custom motocross gear really costs to bring into the EU.
The price on a foreign webshop is not the price you pay. For a rider in the Netherlands ordering custom gear from outside the EU, the UK or North America for example, three more amounts land before the box does. Figures as of 27 October 2026, sources linked; the arithmetic is ours.
What is VAT at import?
Every parcel from outside the EU is charged Dutch VAT when it enters. The general rate is 21% (Belastingdienst). It is not charged on the goods alone: VAT at import is calculated over the product price, the shipping cost, any insurance and the import duty (Douane). A UK seller does not normally charge UK VAT on goods it exports (GOV.UK), so check whether the price you see is with or without it. Either way, 21% is added on arrival.
What is the import duty on a jersey and pants?
Garments carry a percentage duty. In the EU tariff database, knitted trousers and jerseys of the type used for MX gear are listed at a third country duty of 12% (TARIC, CN 6103 42), and woven synthetic trousers at the same 12% (TARIC, CN 6203 43). The Dutch authority's own table puts clothing at a maximum of 12%. Duty is calculated over the price plus shipping and insurance. Since 1 July 2026 shipments up to €150 pay a flat €3 per product category instead, but a custom set is well above €150, so the percentage applies.
What is the carrier's handling fee?
The carrier pays the VAT and duty to the authorities on your behalf and charges you for the work. PostNL charges €16 per parcel valued at €150 or more, paid online before delivery (PostNL). DHL Express charges 2% of the advanced amount with a minimum of €16,50 excluding VAT (DHL Express). From 1 November 2026 the EU adds a handling fee of €2 per product category on top, which the webshop or carrier may pass on to you (Douane).
What does that add up to?
A worked example. Say a custom set costs the equivalent of €300 at a foreign checkout, plus €25 shipping.
- Duty: 12% of €325 = €39,00
- VAT at import: 21% of (€325 + €39) = €76,44
- Carrier fee, PostNL: €16,00
That is €131,44 due before the parcel is released, and €456,44 for the set. The border fees add 44% to the price you clicked.
What about currency and returns?
If you pay in pounds or dollars, your bank sets the exchange rate. On 26 October 2026 the ECB reference rate was 1 euro to 0.8382 pounds and 1.1188 dollars (ECB); your card issuer sets its own rate and may add a conversion fee, so check its terms first.
Returns are the other hidden cost. Custom gear is excluded from the EU 14-day cooling-off period (Your Europe), so a foreign seller is not obliged to take a set back. If one does, you pay the return shipping, and reclaiming the duty and VAT means asking your carrier to file a request with proof of export (Douane).
How does a Dutch made-to-order set compare?
MORSA RACEWEAR is a Dutch motocross gear brand that makes jersey and pants sets to order, with the rider's name and number sublimated into the fabric. An adult set is €260 including 21% VAT, a youth set €210. Shipping is €17,95 per order and free on 3 or more sets. The set ships from Echt, the Netherlands, inside the EU, so there is no VAT at import, no duty and no carrier fee. The checkout price is the full price: nothing at the door, no surprise fees.
Side by side: €277,95 delivered for a MORSA adult set, against €456,44 for a €300 set from outside the EU. A misprint or defect reported within 14 days with photos is reprinted, with no return shipping to pay. You can also change or cancel free until your run closes on Friday at 12:00 Amsterdam time.
The rates above change. Check the linked pages before you order from abroad, and read the FAQ for how a MORSA order runs from Friday to your door.