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Frequently asked questions
General Questions
- 01Absolutely — that is the core of our service. We store your online purchases from different stores, consolidate them into one single shipment, helping you save on shipping costs. Each package may be subject to maximum weight and volume. We will always find the most suitable solution for the consolidated shipment of your goods.
- 02Yes! Every customer receives a unique packmerge reference number upon registration. Make sure that your unique reference number and name is clearly marked on every parcel you send to us at your packmerge address. Leave the rest with us.
- 03For safety of our staff and storage, we do not accept hazardous materials (HazMat), ADR dangerous goods, or other prohibited items. For detailed information, please visit our Hazardous and Prohibited Goods page. Note that the list may change without notice.
- 04Yes. CMR insurance is included in shipments. CMR insurance is an international agreement that covers liability for goods transported by road across borders. Additional insurance for higher value coverage is also available — see our pricing page for details. ⚠️ Please note: - packmerge’s liability is limited to the CMR insurance coverage or the additional insurance purchased. - The insured value cannot exceed the value of the goods.
- 05Yes. All consolidated outgoing shipments are photographed for your records. Photos are kept for 5 days after the consolidated parcel arrives at its destination unless a complaint is raised.
- 06PackMerge is a parcel consolidation, storage, repacking, and forwarding service based in Portugal. Our goal is to help customers save on international shipping by receiving, storing, and consolidating multiple purchases into a single shipment. Our main services include: - Receiving and storing parcels (30 days free storage) - Consolidating multiple packages into one shipment - Repacking and protective packaging on request - Worldwide shipping using the most suitable couriers or transport companies - Personal shopping services upon direct request — please contact us for details.
- 07Yes, we ship worldwide. We work with global couriers and transport companies, choosing the best solution based on destination, speed, parcel size, and cost. Customers can choose economy or express options, but we select the courier that offers the best combination of price and service for each case — this is part of the added value we provide.
- 08Unfortunately no. We do not handle returns or store returned items. Our services are focused on receiving, consolidating, and forwarding parcels received for each client.
- 09Yes, we can sometimes add personal notes or offer bespoke packaging — but these are special requests and must be arranged in advance. Please contact us directly to check feasibility and costs.
- 10We accept: - Credit Cards - Bank Transfers - Stripe - PayPal (with a 5% fee applied)
- 11You can contact us by phone or You can contact us by email at handling@packmerge.com. We aim to reply on the same day if your inquiry is received before 5 PM (London/Lisbon time).
- 12- 30 days of free storage from the date the parcel arrives at our warehouse. - After 30 days, storage fees may apply. - You will be charged for your consolidated shipment, any additional fees may apply for special handling, extra protection of fragile items, or customized packaging. As required by you.
- 13Through packmerge we serve individual customers (B2C). For business clients (B2B), we offer specialized fulfillment and consolidation services through our division CONSOLIDATEUROPE. Contact us for more details on B2B solutions.
- 14We are based in Portugal. We receive parcels from across Europe (including the UK), and we can also receive packages from other parts of the world if it makes sense for the customer and is economically viable.
- 15The recipient of the shipment is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes imposed by the destination country's customs authority. PackMerge has no responsibility for these charges. If the destination does not pay the due duties, the shipment may be held or returned by the customs authority.
- 16Import Duties, Taxes & Customs Compliance Notice The information provided in this section is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, customs, regulatory, or import advice. Customs laws, import duties, tax rates, and regulatory requirements vary by country and may change without notice. While packmerge provides general guidance regarding international shipments, clients are solely responsible for obtaining independent advice from: Their local customs authorities Licensed customs brokers Tax advisors Legal counsel regarding the importation of goods into their destination country. packmerge makes no representations or warranties regarding: The applicability of specific duty rates Tax exemptions or thresholds Trade agreement eligibility Regulatory compliance requirements Import licensing obligations Any examples of duties, VAT, GST, or tariffs mentioned in this document (including references to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates, or any other jurisdictions) are illustrative only and should not be relied upon as definitive or current. By using packmerge’s services, clients acknowledge that: They have not relied on packmerge for legal or customs advice. They understand that import compliance is their sole responsibility. They accept all risks associated with international importation. 1. Role of packmerge packmerge provides consolidation, storage, re-packaging and international forwarding services from Portugal to destinations worldwide. packmerge acts strictly as: A logistics service provider; and/or A freight forwarder arranging transportation on behalf of the client. packmerge is not the importer of record for any international shipment unless expressly agreed in writing under a specific Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) arrangement. The recipient in the destination country is deemed the Importer of Record for customs purposes. 2. Importer of Record – Legal Responsibility For all shipments delivered outside the European Union (including but not limited to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, United Arab Emirates and other international destinations): The recipient/importer is solely responsible for: Payment of import duties Customs tariffs VAT, GST, sales tax or equivalent indirect taxes Brokerage fees Customs clearance charges Storage or inspection fees imposed by customs authorities Compliance with local import regulations By using packmerge’s services, the client acknowledges and agrees that: They (or their designated recipient) act as Importer of Record. They assume full legal responsibility for customs compliance in the destination country. packmerge bears no liability for customs assessments made by foreign authorities. 3. Countries Commonly Requiring Import Duties (examples) While regulations may change, import duties and taxes commonly apply in: 🇺🇸 United States Shipments may be subject to: U.S. Customs duties (depending on product classification and value) Section 301 tariffs (where applicable) State use tax (in certain cases) Low-value thresholds may apply but are not guaranteed. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Post-Brexit, goods imported from the EU may be subject to: UK VAT Customs duties Other fees 🇨🇦 Canada Shipments may incur: GST/HST Provincial sales tax Customs duties based on origin and classification 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Imports typically attract: Customs duty (generally 5% unless exempt) VAT (currently 5%) Clearance fees Other countries may impose similar or additional charges. Customs regulations are subject to change without notice. 4. How Import Charges Are Determined Import duties and taxes are calculated by the destination country's customs authority based on: Declared customs value (including cost of goods and sometimes shipping) Harmonized System (HS) classification Country of origin Trade agreements (if applicable) Applicable national tariff schedules Currency conversion rates Inspection outcomes packmerge does not control customs valuation decisions or tariff classification adjustments made by authorities. 5. Customs Declarations & Compliance packmerge prepares export documentation based on the information provided by the client and/or seller. We will: Declare the actual commercial value of goods Provide accurate product descriptions Declare country of origin where known packmerge will not: Under-declare values Falsely declare goods as “gifts” Alter invoices to reduce customs charges Misrepresent product descriptions Any request to falsify documentation will be refused and may result in termination of services. Clients are responsible for providing accurate and complete information. packmerge is not liable for penalties resulting from inaccurate or incomplete declarations provided by the client. . Customs Delays & Inspections Customs authorities may: Inspect shipments Request additional documentation Reassess declared value Reclassify goods Impose additional duties or penalties Such actions may result in delays beyond estimated transit times. packmerge is not liable for: Delays caused by customs authorities Storage charges imposed during customs holds Regulatory seizures or confiscation Administrative penalties issued by destination authorities 7. Refusal to Pay Duties / Abandonment If the recipient: Refuses to pay duties or taxes, or Fails to respond to customs requests, or Does not complete required import formalities, The shipment may be: Returned to sender (where possible), Held at the destination at storage cost, Abandoned, or Destroyed by customs authorities. All resulting costs including: Return freight Storage fees Disposal fees Customs penalties Administrative handling charges will remain the financial responsibility of the client. Shipping fees are non-refundable. Refunds (if applicable) will only be processed after successful return of goods in resaleable condition and deduction of all incurred costs. 8. Prohibited & Restricted Goods It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that goods: Are permitted for import in the destination country Comply with local safety, labelling, and certification requirements Do not require special licenses or permits (unless obtained by the client) packmerge assumes no responsibility for: Regulatory non-compliance Confiscation Fines or enforcement action in the destination country 9. Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) Exception If packmerge offers a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service for a specific shipment: Duties and taxes will be prepaid on behalf of the client. This will be explicitly stated and agreed in writing prior to dispatch. Absent written confirmation of DDP terms, all shipments are handled on a Delivered At Place (DAP) basis, meaning duties remain payable by the recipient. 10. No Liability for Government Charges Import duties and taxes are government-imposed charges. They are: Not shipping fees Not service fees Not controlled by packmerge Not retained by packmerge Ppackmerge bears no financial responsibility for customs assessments imposed by foreign authorities. 11. Client Acknowledgment By using packmerge’s services for international forwarding, the client expressly acknowledges and agrees that: Import duties and taxes may apply in the destination country. The recipient acts as Importer of Record. All customs charges are the responsibility of the client/recipient. Customs delays are outside packmerge ’s control. Refusal to pay duties may result in additional costs or loss of goods. Clients are strongly advised to: Contact local customs authorities prior to shipment Verify duty rates and tax thresholds Confirm import eligibility of goods Understand clearance procedures in their jurisdiction We hope this is useful. Any queries please feel free to contact us.
- 17Import duties are taxes imposed by a country's customs authority on goods imported into the country. The amount and application of these duties vary depending on the destination country's regulations. It is important to check the specific import duty rates and regulations for your destination before shipping. Please note that these regulations can change at any time according to local customs authorities.
- 18Yes. Shipping with Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) is an option. However, given the diversity of countries of destination and types of duties each country may apply, all Import duties will be calculated by packmerge on a ad-hoc basis. If you wish to ship in DDP please get in touch; we will let you know that the Import Duties and Taxes are for your particular case and will inform you for payment. We expect to implement this capability automatically soon.
- 19Yes, import duty rates and regulations can change at any time according to the local customs authorities. It is important to stay informed about the current regulations and rates for your destination country to avoid any unexpected charge.

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