International Orders.
Our Commitment to Transparency
No surprises at your door. We believe in upfront clarity regarding international trade.
At Optima Telecom, our goal is to get our industrial-grade hardware into your hands as quickly and simply as possible. We strive for a frictionless ordering experience; however, once a shipment leaves our facility in Markham, Ontario, it enters the jurisdiction of your local customs authority.
We believe in being upfront about the "hidden costs" of international trade so there are no surprises at your door. Please keep the following in mind before placing your order:
The "Single Item" Challenge
For international customers, the fixed costs of importing (such as courier brokerage fees and new flat-rate duties) can sometimes equal or even exceed the value of a single sensor or accessory. To get the best value, we strongly recommend bundling your items into a single order.
The 2026 Landscape
The global regulatory environment has changed significantly this year. Specifically, for our customers in the European Union, new 2026 regulations have introduced flat-rate customs duties that apply to each category of item in the same shipment.
What is Beyond Our Control?
While we provide all the necessary professional documentation and harmonized codes to help your package clear customs quickly, the following amounts are determined solely by your government and your chosen courier:
Courier-Specific
Charged by UPS/FedEx/DHL for processing your paperwork.
Local Tax
Your local consumption tax or sales tax.
Regional Fee
Mandatory fees recently implemented in EU and USA.
By proceeding with an international order, you acknowledge that these local import costs are your responsibility.
While the EU now charges small flat duties per item category, bundling your items still saves you significantly on the "Base Brokerage Fee" charged by couriers, which is usually the most expensive part of a small international shipment.
1. Duties, Taxes, and "Landed Cost"
All orders shipped outside of Canada are sent DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid).
- ● The Price You Pay Today: Includes the cost of the hardware and the transportation fee to your door.
- ● The Price You Pay Later: Your local government will likely charge Import VAT/Sales Tax and Customs Duties once the package enters your country. These are not included in your checkout total.
2. What to Expect by Region
United States
Most orders will be subject to federal import duties and a courier "brokerage fee" (a processing fee charged by UPS/FedEx/DHL). The courier will contact you for payment before final delivery.
Europe (EU & UK)
New 2026 regulations have introduced flat-rate customs duties. You will be required to pay your local country’s VAT (typically 19%–25%) plus a local administrative fee. For the UK, we only process orders exceeding £135 to comply with local tax regulations.
Rest of World
Local import laws vary. We recommend contacting your local customs office to estimate the total "landed cost" before placing a large order.
3. Your Responsibilities as the Importer
You are the "Importer of Record."
When you purchase from our shop, you are legally considered the Importer of Record. To prevent delivery delays, please be prepared for:
Ensure phone and email are correct for courier contact.
Pay assessed duties promptly to avoid return shipping fees.
Some countries require a Tax ID or National ID for clearance.
4. Why are there extra fees?
The "Brokerage Fee" is a service fee charged by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL) for acting as your agent to "clear" the goods through customs. While Optima Telecom provides all necessary HS Codes (8531.10) and commercial invoices to minimize these costs, the carrier’s processing fee is a separate business charge.
5. Refused Shipments
If you refuse a shipment due to unexpected customs fees, the package will be returned to us. In these cases:
- The original shipping cost is non-refundable.
- Any return shipping fees or storage penalties charged to Optima Telecom by the carrier will be deducted from your hardware refund.