If a receiver refuses to pay import duties, is the package returned to the sender? The short answer is 'No'. If there is a duty payable, one must pay it. If the customs charge is not paid by the “pay by date” the item will be returned to the sender.

If you refuse to pay the assessed customs duties or VAT on an international shipment, the package will be held at the customs facility or the carrier's warehouse for a limited period, typically between 14 and 30 days. During this time, the shipping company will issue several notifications. If payment is still not received, the package is declared "abandoned." At this point, the customs authority may destroy the item, auction it off, or return it to the sender at the sender's expense. If the package is returned, the original merchant may deduct the return shipping fees and a restocking fee from your refund, and in some cases, you may receive no refund at all if the return costs exceed the item's value. Furthermore, consistently refusing to pay legally mandated import charges can lead to your name or address being flagged by customs authorities, resulting in increased scrutiny, delays, or higher handling fees for all your future international orders as you are marked as a high-risk or non-compliant importer.