🇭🇺 Import Customs & Duties: Hungary
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
27%
CIF value + duty. Hungary has the highest standard VAT in the EU. Reduced 18% for dairy, bakery. Super-reduced 5% for books, medicines, internet access, fresh meat, eggs, poultry.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Note: Highest VAT in EU at 27%
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (smartphones 0%, laptops 0%, TVs 14%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (knitted garments 12%, woven shirts 12%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (leather shoes 8%, sports shoes 16.9%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-26% (meat 12.8%, dairy 9-36%, sugar 33.9 EUR/100kg) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (industrial machinery 0%, pumps 1.7%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (perfumes 6.5%, skincare 2.5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% (video game consoles 0%, dolls 4.7%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV, Nemzeti Ado- es Vamhivatal) follows EU Union Customs Code. Electronic declarations via NAV customs portal. Budapest Liszt Ferenc airport is a major Central European cargo hub. Magyar Posta handles postal customs. IOSS for VAT from €0 since July 2021.
What to Actually Expect
Efficient EU customs system but highest VAT in the EU at 27%. NAV (tax authority) handles customs. Express clearance fast, same day at Budapest airport. Magyar Posta parcels 1-3 days. Some shippers report delays at Budapest postal customs for large volumes. The 27% VAT significantly increases total import costs, budget accordingly.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
EU-standard licensing. Required for agricultural quotas, dual-use goods, weapons. Hungary imposes additional public health product tax (NETA) on sugary drinks, energy drinks, salty snacks, and pre-packaged sweets. NEBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office) for food imports.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK, Magyar Kereskedelmi es Iparkamara). EUR.1 movement certificate for EU FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Hungary:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $14 | $16 |
| $100 | $4 | $28 | $32 |
| $200 | $8 | $56 | $65 |
| $500 | $21 | $141 | $162 |
| $1000 | $42 | $281 | $323 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Hungary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Hungary?
Hungary has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Hungary?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Hungary is 27%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Hungary has the highest standard VAT in the EU. Reduced 18% for dairy, bakery. Super-reduced 5% for books, medicines, internet access, fresh meat, eggs, poultry.
How long does customs clearance take in Hungary?
Typical customs clearance in Hungary takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Hungary?
To import into Hungary, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Hungary?
Hungary prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.