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Overcharged VAT/Duty on Import due to false value declaration

Hi,

I ordered a product from the US and paid $390 plus $79 shipping. The item was sent via USPS and was delivered to me by ParcelForce in the UK. I had to pay £169 in VAT/Duty. On inspection of the EMS customs declaration the company who sent the item have marked it as insured value much higher than the total cost I paid at $790 plus the $79.50 postal charge.

So I paid in total including shipping = $469 and expected to pay $100 (£75)
They marked it as = $869.50 and I've been charged £169

Have the US company done this to get something extra their end? I just don't understand this.

Any help please.:mad:

Comments

  • DCFC79
    DCFC79 Posts: 40,641 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 24 December 2016 at 3:23PM
    Hi,

    I ordered a product from the US and paid $390 plus $79 shipping. The item was sent via USPS and was delivered to me by ParcelForce in the UK. I had to pay £169 in VAT/Duty. On inspection of the EMS customs declaration the company who sent the item have marked it as insured value much higher than the total cost I paid at $790 plus the $79.50 postal charge.

    So I paid in total including shipping = $469 and expected to pay $100 (£75)
    They marked it as = $869.50 and I've been charged £169

    Have the US company done this to get something extra their end? I just don't understand this.

    Any help please.:mad:

    Ask the company why they marked it so and see if you can get something back for the difference you paid out for vat etc.

    Go with the advice posted below.
  • unholyangel
    unholyangel Posts: 16,866 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you still got the packaging it arrived in?

    If so, you should be able to send it along with proof of price paid to HMRC at mount pleasant and they will refund the excess. Check with them first though in case the process/address has changed as its been a few years since I last did it.
    You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means - Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride
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