FAQ

A considered collection of practical answers for curious minds. FAQ brings together common questions about vintage care, returns, shipping, and international policies — including guidance for EU and German buyers. From how we launder textiles to how we date our pieces, each answer is here to inform, clarify, and make your experience feel personal and easy.

 

 

🚫  Are cancellations accepted? 

It largely depends on when the order was placed and if the item has already shipped. Once retrieved and packed, cancellations are not possible. Although, we gladly accept returns, please see below for details.

 

 

↩️  Do you accept returns?

We gladly accept returns. Simply, contact us to let us know that you will be returning the item within the 14 day return window. Refunds will be issued once we receive the item and confirm that it's in its original sent condition. A refund will then be issued, minus the original cost to ship out to you (if applicable).


 

🧼 Are vintage/antique items cleaned prior to shipment?

Absolutely! All items are hand-inspected and cleaned before we photograph and store the item. It is then reinspected at the time of shipment to ensure a clean and scent-free item makes its way to you.

 

 

🧺 What does freshly 'laundered' mean?

Who doesn't love a vintage woven print? Must smell, not so much. We ensure a 'scent free' neutral smelling woven item by hand washing the item in three cycles. The first is in a vinegar soak, second a baking soda bath, finally a 'free and clear' sensitive detergent wash. Items are then air dried and ironed (if applicable) to ensure no additional warping of the item.

 

 

🕰 How do you date your vintage pieces?

Through a mix of research, maker’s marks, design features, and materials — and just as importantly, experience. Years of handling vintage items have helped me develop an intuitive sense for age, quality, and origin. I always aim to provide the most accurate estimate possible.

 

 

🇩🇪 I'm in Germany, are you LUCID compliant?

On January 1, 2019, Germany’s Packaging Act (VerpackG) came into effect, imposing requirements on online retailers selling to buyers in Germany. The Packaging Act promotes recycling and reuse of packaging materials (e.g. cardboard boxes, tape, bubble wrap).

Chenuz Atelier is registered with LUCID, which is the Packaging Register of the Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR).

Producers/distributors pay a license fee to the dual system for the collection, sorting and recycling of the packaging they introduced to the market. My Dual System partner is Activate by Reclay. A certificate or license can be provided.

Please recycle my packaging where possible - Danke!

 

 

🌍 Who is responsible for customs, import taxes, and tariffs?

For orders shipping to the United States and Europe, all applicable customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are calculated at checkout and collected upfront. This ensures your parcel clears customs smoothly, with no surprise fees on delivery.


For other international destinations, local customs duties, tariffs, or taxes may still apply. These remain the responsibility of the buyer and are assessed by your country’s customs authority upon arrival.

 


 

💰 Do you charge VAT, sales tax, or tariffs to EU and U.S. customers?

Yes. Chenuz Atelier now collects and remits VAT, sales tax, customs duties, and tariffs at checkout for customers in:

 

  • European Union and United Kingdom

  • United States

 

Your checkout total includes:

 

  • VAT or sales tax (per your country/state rate)

  • Customs duties and tariffs, if applicable

  • Handling/processing fees, if applicable

 

Because these fees are prepaid, your parcel will not be held for payment on delivery.

⚠️ Note: For countries outside Europe and the U.S., duties and taxes may still be charged locally. These are not included at checkout unless explicitly shown.

 

 

📚 Are printed books subject to customs duties in the United States?

No. Printed books (classified under HTS Chapter 49) are duty-free and exempt from U.S. blanket tariffs. That means when you order vintage books, stationary, etc. from Chenuz Atelier, the only charges you’ll see at checkout are the book price, shipping, and any applicable sales tax — never customs duty.

 

 

📚 Are printed books subject to customs duties in the EU or UK?

No. Printed books (HTS Chapter 49) are also duty-free when imported into the European Union and United Kingdom. However, unlike the United States, EU and UK orders are still subject to VAT, which is calculated and collected at checkout. This ensures your parcel clears customs without additional fees on delivery.