Buying and price Updated on September 29, 2026 By Axel Paupier Methodology

Do you have to pay taxes on an exoskeleton bought outside the EU?

Q: Do you have to pay taxes on an exoskeleton bought outside the EU?

Generally, yes. A purchase from outside the European Union bears import VAT, 20% from the first euro according to French customs, and customs duty above 150 EUR whose rate depends on the product and its origin. The carrier may also charge handling fees. Check whether the seller includes them in the displayed price.

The answer in detail

When you receive in France a parcel bought outside the European Union, French customs distinguishes three elements. First, import VAT: it applies to every import, is due from the first euro, and the standard rate is 20%. Then, above 150 EUR, possible customs duty, whose rate depends on the nature of the goods and their origin. Finally, the carrier's handling fees, which carriers set freely.

Every exoskeleton in our catalog costs more than 150 EUR. Customs duty may therefore be added to VAT. We cannot state the rate that applies, because it depends on the customs classification of each product.

What makes the cost vary

Three parameters determine the final bill.

VAT: 20% of the price. For a product at 1,000 EUR before tax, that is 200 EUR.
Customs duty: variable by nature and origin, applicable above 150 EUR according to customs.
Carrier handling fees: set freely, so they vary from one carrier to another.

A new European measure has existed since 1 July 2026: a flat customs duty of 3 EUR per item category, for small parcels worth 150 EUR or less, paid by online sales platforms, according to the Ministry of the Economy press release of 30 June 2026. It mostly concerns accessories or small purchases, not an exoskeleton. The customs page cited above dates from November 2025 and does not mention it yet.

Extra costs and pitfalls

Prices in dollars: several products in our catalog (Stoko, Dnsys, VIGX) are shown in US dollars, which can indicate a sale from outside the European Union. Check on the order page where the parcel ships from.
Taxes not included: a displayed price may not include VAT and duties on arrival. Read the seller's conditions.
Return and warranty: sending a product back abroad can be expensive. See our article on the
warranty on an exoskeleton
.

How to check and save

Before paying, look on the order page for a mention such as VAT and duties included or taxes on arrival, and ask the seller if in doubt. Some products in our catalog are made in France, such as the Ski-Mojo and the Hapo range, according to their product pages: they avoid this question of importing from a third country. To place budgets, read our article on the price of an exoskeleton.

Key takeaways

An exoskeleton bought outside the European Union generally bears import VAT of 20%, possibly customs duty above 150 EUR depending on the product and its origin, and carrier handling fees. Before ordering, check that these amounts are included in the price, or add them to your budget. If in doubt about the exact amount, ask the seller, or customs for a precise classification.