At Folkmarketgems, we ship natural gemstones worldwide using trusted courier services such as FedEx, UPS, DHL Express, Registered Mail or any other courier services. As an international seller, we want our customers to clearly understand how customs clearance works.
1. International Shipments & Customs Regulations
All international shipments are subject to the import laws and regulations of the destination country. Customs authorities may inspect parcels and apply duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or other clearance charges based on local regulations.
These charges are determined solely by the destination country’s government and are not controlled by Folkmarketgems.
2. Import Duties, Taxes & Clearance Fees
Depending on your country (including the United States), the following may apply:
- Import duties
- Sales tax / VAT
- Customs processing fees
- Courier brokerage or clearance fees
If applicable, these charges are usually collected directly by the courier service before or at the time of delivery. The courier may also display the payable amount on the tracking page.
Customers are responsible for complying with their local import requirements and completing any required customs payment to allow release of the shipment.
3. Customs Clearance Process
If your shipment is held for clearance, the courier may:
- Contact you directly via phone, email, or SMS
- Request identity verification or additional documentation
- Request payment of applicable duties or fees
To avoid delivery delays, we recommend responding promptly to any courier communication.
4. Our Support During Clearance
We are committed to assisting our customers throughout the process. Upon request, we can provide:
- Commercial invoice copies
- Product descriptions
- Value confirmation
- Any other reasonable documentation required for clearance
If you experience any customs-related issue, please contact our support team immediately and we will guide you.
5. Refused or Unclaimed Shipments
If a shipment is refused due to unpaid customs charges or left unclaimed, return shipping fees, customs return fees, and storage or handling charges may be deducted from any applicable refund.
In some cases, parcels may not be returned to us by customs authorities. In such situations, refunds may not be possible.
6. Compliance & Transparency
Folkmarketgems declares accurate product descriptions and values on all shipping documents in compliance with international trade regulations. We do not undervalue shipments or misdeclare goods.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or clearance before placing your order, please contact us. We are happy to provide guidance to help you make an informed purchase.