DHL are useless!

edrobbo8

Hi, looking for some advice here.

In July this year, I bought 10 LED light bulbs from a supplier in China. These were only samples, and I was looking at the possibility of importing large quantities to sell in this country.

When these arrived, I did not have to pay any customs duty through DHL as they were samples.

In August, I bought 25 LED light bulbs from a totally separate supplier, in Hong Kong, to compare quality and product. Again, this shipment was only a sample, and the invoice and all correspondence with this company states 'the samples' etc.

When these lot arrived, I then received a customs duty bill from DHL, saying that they were subject to duty charges, please pay £45.19.

I sent DHL an enquiry, saying they were samples and I did not think they were subject to duty charges. They replied, and said if the invoice and any correspondence says they are samples, then you shouldn't need to pay the duty.

So I reply to the person at DHL with the invoice, and all correspondence I had with the company in Hong Kong, which very clearly states these are samples.

I waited a couple of weeks, and had no reply. I then received a letter saying you haven't paid your invoice, so sent another email to the person at DHL saying did you get my email, etc.

No reply. Another 2 weeks, and I email her again, and guess what, no reply.

Then left it, thought well maybe it's all done. Next thing, I receive a letter from Control Account PLC saying you haven't paid your invoice, now you owe us and we will take you to the County Court if not paid within 7 days etc.

I am not happy about paying, as it seems some inept idiot hasn't done their job properly and is ignoring my emails!

I do not want to pay out of principle, what are your thoughts on this matter?