Why am I being charged duties and taxes by Customs for goods I have purchased and paid for online?

Customs duties and taxes are not typically included in the price of the goods you purchase online nor do they form part of the overall shipping costs.  Duties and taxes are imposed by the local Customs authority and are payable prior to the release of the goods. Estimates provided are based on the freight cost of the shipment. Duties and Taxes are imposed by the relevant country of import / export based on the countries customs laws. Additional clearing costs may apply Duties and taxes are most typically not included in the price of the goods you purchase online, and are not be included in the overall shipping costs you pay to the online retailer.