European buyers can purchase the goods on the European market or from third countries. Purchases from third countries are exempt from customs duties up to a value of 150 euros; furthermore, for goods to a value of 22 euros, the payment of value-added tax charges is not required. Due to this exemption, each year, the number of purchases from third countries is increasing, which distorts the competition; what is more, customs officers are required to inspect more and more goods. The paper aims to present some common terms, custom clearance of online purchases, the existing and the new regulation and a comparison of Slovenian and Croatian customs procedures.
We used a statistical and a comparative research method to explain why it would be beneficial to suspend the exemption from paying taxes on postal shipments. The comparison of Slovenia and Croatia demonstrates some details and differences in custom clearance of online purchases, the tax rate as well as growth and growth control of online shopping.
Our study showed that removing the tax exemption of the postal shipments will bring more money into the state budget; furthermore, according to the statistical data, Croatia received more shipments while Slovenia is more effective in terms of inspection and control of the shipments. In both countries, the tax rate is similar and online shopping is increasing yearly.
From January 1, 2021, the new legislation will reduce competition between sellers within the European Union and sellers from third countries.
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