Amazon and Customs Fees

lucycaspar

Hello,
Just a quick query, I recently purchased an item from the US amazon site and they included an import deposit fee. Which I happily paid. I am now in a situation where I am being charged again plus the extortionate royal mail handling fee!

After a long drawn out arguement with Amazon they have comfirmed that fee I paid was given to UK customs but could not provide any proof.

What exactly is the customs charge made up of, am I right in thinking that it is VAT plus a bit extra?

I have a nagging feeling that if amazon haven't paid over the fee they said they would, I have no comeback on them as they are outside the UK. Is this right?

Thanks,

visidigi

The fee you get is made up of VAT, Duties and handling charge.

The VAT and Duties are variable according to shipment content, e.g. the tax on clothes varies based on the amount imported. e.g on imports I have done under $250 I get no duties - on anything even 1 cent over I get absolutely hammered.

The handling fee for the Royal Mail Group depends on the service used in the US to import the item - express US comes in Parcel Force and is alot higher than the normal USPS service delivered via the Royal Mail postal service.

Customs are notoriously difficult in providing evidence and usually you have to provide a hefty fee to even ask them to reconsider or evaluate.

visidigi

From Amazon.com

What if the actual Import Fees are more than the Import Fees Deposit I was charged?
For items sold by Amazon Export Sales, Inc., you will not be charged any additional fees if the actual Import Fees exceed the Import Fees Deposit we estimated. For items sold by Merchants, please check the applicable Merchant's policies.

That tells me if you were charged its down to Amazon to reinburse you...

lucycaspar

I only spent £22 with amazon and paying £19 in fees and charges is more than excessive! I knew there would be a charge but this seems utterly ridiculous, I just want amazon to prove they have done what they say they have.

Thanks for your help.