Shipping policy

Shipping & Import Terms

Simple Summary of Our Shipping & Import Rules

We normally ship orders using DAP (Delivered at Place). This means we deliver your order, but you are responsible for any import duties and taxes charged by your country. These fees are usually requested before delivery.

Sometimes, however, carriers deliver parcels without collecting duties in advance. When that happens, customs may invoice us later, and we must then invoice you. These charges can arrive months after delivery, which is unpleasant for everyone.

Inside the EU, the price you see (including VAT) is the final price—no extra import fees.

From 01/12/2025, all orders over €1,000 will use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
This means we calculate and charge the import duties and taxes before shipping, so your parcel arrives with no extra costs and no surprises after delivery. This change is specifically to protect you from unexpected bills long after you’ve received your order.

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Policy:

  • “Seller” means JTW Astronomy, the party offering goods for sale and arranging shipment.

  • “Buyer” means the person or legal entity purchasing goods from the Seller.

  • “Receiver” means the individual or legal entity designated to receive the goods at the delivery address. The Buyer and Receiver may be the same or different parties.

  • “Shipper” means the Seller or its appointed logistics provider responsible for initiating the shipment of goods.

  • “Carrier” means any third-party transport company contracted to deliver the shipment, including but not limited to UPS, DPD, DHL, FedEx, and other commercial parcel services.

  • “Import Duties and Taxes” means all customs duties, VAT/GST, tariffs, brokerage charges, or any fees levied by customs or governmental authorities in the destination country.

  • “Incoterms®” refers to the International Commercial Terms published by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce), defining responsibilities for shipping, insurance, and duties.

2. Standard Delivery (DAP – Delivered at Place)

Unless otherwise stated, goods are shipped under Incoterms DAP – Delivered at Place.
Under DAP:

  • The Seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the delivery address provided by the Buyer/Receiver.

  • The Receiver is solely responsible for all Import Duties and Taxes, customs clearance charges, and any governmental fees due in the destination country.

  • These fees are typically required before delivery can be completed.

3. Deliveries Released Without Prior Duty Payment

The Receiver acknowledges that, at the sole discretion of the Carrier and for operational or logistical reasons beyond the Seller’s control, a shipment may be released and delivered without duties and taxes being collected beforehand.

In such cases:

  • Customs authorities or the Carrier may retroactively invoice the Seller for unpaid duties or taxes.

  • The Receiver remains fully liable for all such charges, regardless of timing.

  • The Receiver agrees to reimburse the Seller in full immediately upon invoice, without delay or objection.

  • The Receiver acknowledges these retroactive charges may be issued months after delivery and accepts responsibility for them without limitation.

4. Shipments Within the EU VAT Area

For deliveries inside the EU VAT area:

  • VAT is charged at checkout.

  • No additional import duties or customs fees apply beyond what is displayed on the website at the time of purchase.

5. Shipments Outside the EU

For deliveries outside the EU:

  • Import Duties and Taxes may apply.

  • These charges are the responsibility of the Receiver and may be billed prior to delivery by customs or the Carrier.

  • Failure to pay these charges may result in delays, storage fees, return of the goods, or destruction of the shipment—all at the Receiver’s expense.

6. DDP Shipments for Orders Over €1,000 (Effective 01/12/2025)

Effective 01 December 2025, all orders exceeding €1,000 will be shipped under Incoterms DDP – Delivered Duty Paid.

Under DDP:

  • The Seller will calculate applicable duties and taxes before shipment.

  • The Buyer/Receiver must pay these charges in advance, prior to dispatch.

  • When shipped under DDP, shipments clear customs without further duties or taxes owed by the Receiver.

7. Failure to Pay Import Duties, Taxes, or Reimbursement Charges

If the Buyer or Receiver fails to pay any Import Duties, Taxes, or reimbursement amounts invoiced under this Policy:

  1. The outstanding amount shall constitute an immediate debt owed to the Seller, payable upon demand.

  2. The Seller reserves the right to charge:

    • Statutory interest applicable under Dutch law, accruing from the date payment becomes due;

    • Administrative fees associated with collection;

    • Reasonable legal and recovery costs, including third-party collection agencies or legal representation.

  3. The Seller may suspend future deliveries, cancel pending orders, or refuse service to the Buyer/Receiver until all outstanding amounts are paid in full.

  4. If duties or taxes remain unpaid after written notice, the Seller reserves the right to pursue formal debt recovery procedures.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Policy, and any disputes arising from or related to it, shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the Netherlands.
Any dispute, claim, or legal proceeding between the Buyer/Receiver and the Seller shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in the Netherlands, unless mandatory law requires otherwise.
By placing an order, the Buyer/Receiver agrees to this choice of law and jurisdiction.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:

  1. The Seller shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including but not limited to delays, carrier handling issues, customs processing times, additional storage charges, or losses resulting from unpaid duties or taxes.

  2. The Seller’s total liability for any claim arising out of the sale, shipment, or delivery of goods shall not exceed the value of the goods purchased, excluding duties and taxes.

  3. The Seller is not responsible for:

    • actions or delays caused by the Carrier or customs authorities,

    • retroactive duty or tax assessments,

    • inaccurate or incomplete delivery information provided by the Buyer/Receiver,

    • costs arising from the Receiver’s failure to pay import duties, taxes, or reimbursement invoices.

Nothing in this clause shall limit liability where such limitation is prohibited by law (including liability for fraud or intentional misconduct).