A deferment fee is a charge that is assessed by a freight forwarder or customs broker for paying the Duty and VAT to the customs authorities on behalf of the importer before billing the importer for these costs.
This service allows importers to defer payment of the Duty and VAT until a later date, rather than having to pay upfront. The fee for this service is typically calculated as a percentage of the amount of Duty and VAT that is deferred.
It is important to note that deferment fees are not always necessary. In some cases, importers may be able to pay the Duty and VAT directly to the customs authorities or may have other options for handling these fees.
It is a good idea to discuss your options with your freight forwarder or customs broker to determine the best approach for your specific import needs.