FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Anyone ordering inexpensive products from a non-EU country must be prepared to pay fees. Christmas presents can quickly become more expensive than expected. The state consumer advice centers offer the following tips:

1. check shipping conditions before ordering: this way you know in advance what costs you will incur.

2. look for alternatives. Is the same or a comparable product also available from an online store that ships from the EU?

3. bear in mind that customs duties are incurred for more expensive products over 150 euros. For clothing, you should expect a surcharge of 12 percent, for monitors even up to 14 percent more.

4. you can also clear the goods yourself if you do not want to pay the parcel service's flat rate. However, you will then have to collect them from the customs office yourself./fm/DP/zb