EU Duty Drawback, Simplified for Global Traders

As the only global duty drawback provider, TDR helps EU importers and exporters reclaim duties worldwide with speed, compliance, and certainty.

You’re Overpaying on Crossborder Returns
Here’s How to Fix It

Recover 100% of duties

on returned or re-exported goods
no manual paperwork.

No Budget Threshold

Our solution supports both small and large drawback budgets. Every customer counts!

One partner, global reach

UK, EU, and UK duty mitigation
no coordinator needed.

Two Ways to Mitigate Import Duties
crossborder e-commerce returns

1. Order placed

Your brand ships a direct-to-consumer order to a shopper in the EU. Final price includes estimated Import duties.

Non-EU retailer

2. Import + clearance

TDR customs clears your goods in the EU and duties are paid by your brand at import.

Duty Paid

3. Delivered

The consignee receives the order. They decide to return part of the order.

B2C fulfilled

4. Returned goods

Part of the order comes back to a consolidation point within the EU for inspection and re-export.

Consolidation

5. Duty Reclaim

TDR technology facilitates the reconciliation between import and export transactions and submit claims for duty reimbursement.

Cash back

When returned goods are consolidated and exported outside the EU, eligible import duties can be recovered and redeployed into your working capital.

Who Benefits From Duty Drawback?

If your eCommerce brand imports goods, pays duties, and later sees returns, re-exports, or other eligible movements, duty drawback can turn those costs into recoverable cash.

We help CFOs and finance teams improve cash flow, reduce returns-related expenses, and manage the process through one experienced point of contact.

Read our insights

For eCommerce brands

Recover duties tied to returns, re-exports, and other eligible customs movements without adding internal complexity.

For finance leaders

Improve working capital and reduce the cost of returns with a single partner for global duty recovery.

Your Duty Drawback Challenges, Solved

01

"Import duties are eroding my margins".

No in-house bandwidth? No problem.
We handle ACE reports, data, and customs documentation so you reclaim every dollar owed, effortlessly.

02

"Small drawback budgets mean no broker support".

At TDR, there are no minimums and no wasted effort. We assess each opportunity for cost-effective recovery so even modest budgets get results.
Tailored, low-effort recovery for startups and small retailers — scalable support that maximizes returns without straining resources.

03

"Upfront costs are killing my working capital".

Success-based fees mean we only earn when you do.
Pure profit recovery. No cash flow strain.

04

"Global duties are a profit leak I can't plug".

29 countries covered. One seamless process.
Maximize cash flow across every border, every market.

Your Questions Answered

What is EU Duty Drawback and how can it reduce my customs costs?
EU Duty Drawback is a customs recovery mechanism that enables you to reclaim 100% of duties, taxes, and fees paid when importing goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. For retail brands, this translates to recovering expenses on customer returns sent back internationally. This directly enhances your landed cost profitability and working capital.
Can non-EU brands claim Duty Drawback on returned goods exported from the EU?
Yes, if you meet three conditions: (1) You were the importer when the goods entered the EU, (2) TDR cleared goods into the EU using its proprietary clearance process, and (3) the returned goods were imported and the drawback claim was sbubmitted within 3 monts after importation. Many non-EU brands overlook this. Returns can generate 6-8% cost savings on original import duties.
Can EU brands exporting inventory that was previously imported benefit from duty free solutions?

If you import goods into the EU and later export them unused to consignees (e.g., distributors, subsidiaries), you can avoid paying for import duties by using a EU bonded warehouse
The EU typically would not allow for B2B2C ecom orders to be amended

What documentation is critical for EU Duty Drawback claims?

To put it simply, you'll need documentation and data supporting your import and export activities. This encompasses customs entry records and commercial invoices.

The TDR Advantage: We provide full assistance in establishing a compliant documentation archive.

How long does it take to receive Duty Drawback refunds?

The EU customs authorities process claims in 3-5 months on average.

The TDR Advantage: Our support team submit claims and handles customs enquiry online to minimise processing time.

Finance teams: Plan for a 5-month working capital cyclebut refunds are interest-free, so the ROI is effectively the full duty amount recovered.

What percentage of duties and fees can I recover?

100% of duties, taxes, and most fees. Claims must be submitted within 3 months after the initial importation date.

What are the top reasons Duty Drawback claims get rejected?

Avoid these mistakes: (1) Missing export proof(e.g., no MRN entry details, no commercial invoice...), (2) Inadequate inventory tracking (can't link imports to exports), (3) Late filings (3-months deadline from import), (4) Non compliant import clearanceprocess, and (5) Using non-identical goods.

The TDR Advantage: Our team will support you implementing a drawback-specific ERP workflow before claiming.

Should we file EU Duty Drawback claims in-house or use a customs broker?

DIY: Feasible if you have an EU approved customs software and robust customs expertise.
Alternatively, TDR takes care of all the heavy lifting, the EDI connection with Customs and typically increases recovery rate by 30% through optimization.

Are there audit risks with Duty Drawback, and how can we mitigate them?

Yes. EU audits ~5% of claims annually. Red flags: High claim volumes, frequent substitution use, or inconsistent documentation. Mitigation: (1) Conduct a pre-filing audit of your records, (2) Document everything (e.g., order tracing, reason for returns...), and (3) Designate a single POC for customs inquiries. Penalties for negligence can include denied claims or severe fines.

The TDR Advantage: Trust our expert team to submit fully compliant claims to EU customs and reduce the risk of Customs audits.

Why should I choose TDR as my drawback partner?

Dedicated retail duty drawback expertise:TDR is the only partner focused on crossborder retail drawback, with a specialist process built for eCommerce returns and re-exported inventory.

Cost-effective for any retailer:No budget threshold and success-based fees mean TDR supports small and large drawback budgets, so retailers pay only when recovery succeeds.

Simplifies global duty recovery: One partner handles UK, EU, and UK duty mitigation without the customer needing a separate coordinator, reducing complexity and improving cash flow.

Your Competitors Are Already Reclaiming Their Duties. Are You?

Average client recovers
€50K–€1500K/year in duties

Get Your Free Savings Estimate (No commitment, no forms. Just answers.)

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Return Goods Back To Europe at 0% Duties and VAT

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