ParcelForce Clearance Fee

paddyrg

There are other carrier companies, some charge a %age of the tax amount as a clearing fee, some a flat fee. Of those who charge a flat fee, RM's £8 is by far the lowest (many are around the £15 mark). Of those who charge a %, the cost of doing the clearing is basically built into the upfront sender fee, so it's a higher shipping cost. Either way, it's a cost levied by all the carriers either upfront or retrospectively, and RM is pretty much the cheapest of the lot.

jrellerby

I do not think I will ever see my £8 back. Probably not worth my time but in my case I highlighted yesterday I really do think HMRC should have some system to contact PF to tell them a refund is due when such a decision like mine with the VAT error occurs.

On the whole general issue of clearance fees, I have been doing this sort of importing for some 10 years and it never changes. I have always been of the opinion of regardless of whether an item needs to be processed for VAT or what ever else at this end in the UK that the cost should be included in the original postage cost paid at the source destination. In most cases for me it is the USA.

Overall the UK imported items via mail system is fundamentally flawed whatever way you look at. Perhaps more regulation for carriers and HMRC is needed to smooth over the process. I doubt we will see any change, certainly not anytime soon.

custardy

jrellerby wrote: »

I do not think I will ever see my £8 back. Probably not worth my time but in my case I highlighted yesterday I really do think HMRC should have some system to contact PF to tell them I need a refund when such a decision like mine with the VAT error being refunded occurs.

On the whole general issue of clearance fees, I have been doing this sort of importing for some 10 years and it never changes. I have always been of the opinion of regardless of whether an item needs to be processed for VAT or what ever else at this end in the UK that the cost should be included in the original postage cost paid at the source destination. In most cases for me it is the USA.


Which can be done easily by the sender

Overall the UK imported items via mail system is fundamentally flawed whatever way you look at.

So what system would you have if you are talking about the 'mail' system?

bankz5152

So as of 2011 you have to pay the ransom fee regardless?

I'm going to collect two packages tomorrow from my local PF Depot. Each I expect with the £13.50 Parcel Farce fee. Do I have to pay these fees or is there anyway of getting out of it?

I have no problem paying VAT or Customs. Just not a random fee from PF.

molerat

You are free to arrange customs clearance yourself and arrange for onward transmission. Most of these companies charge upward of £200 per shipment. RM and the others have incurred a cost in providing the clearance facilities and paying the fees and taxes in advance. The alternative is that all imported goods go into a facility owned and run by HMRC and you arrange to pay the taxes before they are then put back into the system for onward transmission, I dread to think how long it would be before you actually received your goods. The cost of this would of course be passed on to the recipient and we all know how costly and inefficient any government run facility is.

bankz5152

Very true. Just hard to find any solid information on this.

It seems pre 2011 easy as pie to have the fees waived however after the change in the PSA it seems more difficult.

Now out of interest if I where to only pay the Tax & VAT and not the £13.50 charge and leave with my parcels what can they do?

custardy

bankz5152 wrote: »

Very true. Just hard to find any solid information on this.

It seems pre 2011 easy as pie to have the fees waived however after the change in the PSA it seems more difficult.

Now out of interest if I where to only pay the Tax & VAT and not the £13.50 charge and leave with my parcels what can they do?

How does this leaving with your parcel come about?

bankz5152

Your are well within your rights to ask to view the parcel before signing or paying for anything to ensure it has not been damaged or anything is missing through damaged packaging.

It is a totally hypothetical situation, just wondering is all.

custardy

bankz5152 wrote: »

Your are well within your rights to ask to view the parcel before signing or paying for anything to ensure it has not been damaged or anything is missing through damaged packaging.

It is a totally hypothetical situation, just wondering is all.

So how does looking, go to taking home?
Are you hypothesising taking your item by force?

bankz5152

Not at all, obviously they have to give you the parcel to inspect it properly. At this point you agree to pay VAT & Tax and refuse the other fee. Leave the exact amount and leave. hypothetically.