Parcelforce 'Clearance fee'

jonnybrandon

Is it still the case that Parcelforce ARE allowed to charge their Clearance Fee (£13.50 in my case) but ARE NOT allowed to withhold my parcel before I pay it? As suggested by articles 83 and 84 of the Postal Services Act 2000? I.E. they must release the parcel and invoice me for the Clearance Fee separately?

Just wanted to check before I march in to my local depot and start running my mouth off.

jonnybrandon

Ahh, in answer to my own question, YES, it is still the case.

I spoke to Parcelforce HQ who said that their latest policy, when a 'customer' (not that I had anything to do with the choice of using them to complete my international delivery) refuses to pay the Clearance Fee, they will accept payment of the customs charge on its own and then release the parcel.

They will then send an invoice for the outstanding Clearance Fee - though it seems that it's pretty hit and miss whether they actually do this or not.

So in effect they have admitted that their former practice of withholding the parcel was illegal. :T

custardy

jonnybrandon wrote: »

Ahh, in answer to my own question, YES, it is still the case.

I spoke to Parcelforce HQ who said that their latest policy, when a 'customer' (not that I had anything to do with the choice of using them to complete my international delivery) refuses to pay the Clearance Fee, they will accept payment of the customs charge on its own and then release the parcel.

They will then send an invoice for the outstanding Clearance Fee - though it seems that it's pretty hit and miss whether they actually do this or not.

So in effect they have admitted that their former practice of withholding the parcel was illegal. :T

you had every choice
try reading back in the thread

jonnybrandon

Not really. It's hardly black-and-white, common knowledge, which PF clearly know. They are cashing in unashamedly on the public's ignorance.

Just because I 'chose' not to pay my own customs charges in advance, that gives PF the right to go ahead and do it for me and then charge me for the privilege?

Also, I'm not adverse to going through a bit of bureaucracy at my end of things, if I have the time, but in a one-click-buy environment, the little independent guy in a far-away place that I bought my product from (that not much more than the Clearance Fee) isn't going to know what I'm talking about when I start getting fussy about how to address my parcel.

And at this pace, who's got that time to go through this every time they purchase something from abroad?

In theory, yes we have the choice. But in real life it's so user-unfriendly that it's no wonder PF are rubbing their filthy hands together.

The whole system needs a rethink and we should start by at least forcing a fair levy for these charges.

bunberry

jonnybrandon wrote: »

I spoke to Parcelforce HQ who said that their latest policy, when a 'customer' (not that I had anything to do with the choice of using them to complete my international delivery) refuses to pay the Clearance Fee, they will accept payment of the customs charge on its own and then release the parcel.

When did you speak to PF HQ? I phoned a few days ago and was told due to "new regulations" they no longer sent out invoices separately. Had to pay the rip off charge...

jonnybrandon

bunberry wrote: »

When did you speak to PF HQ? I phoned a few days ago and was told due to "new regulations" they no longer sent out invoices separately. Had to pay the rip off charge...

I spoke to them today. Will let you know how I get on at my local depot.

bunberry

jonnybrandon wrote: »

I spoke to them today. Will let you know how I get on at my local depot.

Hmm the guy told me they stopped sending out separate invoices from 18th June, could be something he made up on the spot. I needed items in the package as a gift and they'd already held it up in customs for over a week :mad:, didn't have much of a choice.

custardy

jonnybrandon wrote: »

Not really. It's hardly black-and-white, common knowledge, which PF clearly know. They are cashing in unashamedly on the public's ignorance.

Just because I 'chose' not to pay my own customs charges in advance, that gives PF the right to go ahead and do it for me and then charge me for the privilege?

Also, I'm not adverse to going through a bit of bureaucracy at my end of things, if I have the time, but in a one-click-buy environment, the little independent guy in a far-away place that I bought my product from (that not much more than the Clearance Fee) isn't going to know what I'm talking about when I start getting fussy about how to address my parcel.

And at this pace, who's got that time to go through this every time they purchase something from abroad?

In theory, yes we have the choice. But in real life it's so user-unfriendly that it's no wonder PF are rubbing their filthy hands together.

The whole system needs a rethink and we should start by at least forcing a fair levy for these charges.

so you want everything done quickly for you and don't want to do the work?:
then want to cry at getting charged for it?
if you don't want to pay for it then do it yourself for free

bunberry

custardy wrote: »

so you want everything done quickly for you and don't want to do the work?:
then want to cry at getting charged for it?
if you don't want to pay for it then do it yourself for free

I think it's more to do with the amount they charge. £13.50 for paying a fee and sending out a letter is excessive. If the fee was more resonable, there wouldn't have been the need for this thread.

ian1969uk

Quick question please.

I am expecting a delivery from the USA, value of goods £20, postage is £10, so a total value of £30.

Am I right in thinking that customs duty isn't payable on goods with this low a value? I know VAT at 20% of £30 (£6) will be payable, but will customs duty be payable as well?

Thanks.