Contesting import duty, will I ever win?

sheramber

You pay VAT on goods imported from out with the EU plus a handling charge unless you go and deal with the paperwork yourself and the sender has noted the parcel accordingly.

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

VAT

You pay VAT on goods sent from non-European Union (EU) countries and EU special territories (eg the Canary Islands) if they’re:

gifts worth more than £39
other goods worth more than £15
alcohol, tobacco products and fragrances (eg perfume, eau de toilette and cologne) of any value

You have to pay VAT on all goods sent by mail order from the Channel Islands no matter what their value.

You’ll be charged at the VAT rate that applies to your goods. VAT is charged on the total value, including:

the price paid for the goods
postage, packaging and insurance
any duty you owe

..................


Filling in the customs declaration yourself

The sender must write ‘goods to be declared by importer’ on the customs declaration form.

Before you can collect your goods, you’ll be sent:

a full customs declaration form to fill in
a letter explaining how to pay any tax or duty you owe