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Gift from US in customs

supernoos
supernoos Posts: 14 Forumite
in Cutting tax
Hi,
Just after some info please :)
My sister in the US has sent my son a birthday present (value £250) and I've just seen on the tracking history that it's being held in US customs.
Does anyone know how long it's likely to be held there and how much roughly I'll be paying in custom tax/VAT?
My sister posted it via USPS which cost her $70
Thanks in advance for any info :)

Comments

  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 24,130 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    supernoos wrote: »
    Hi,
    Just after some info please :)
    My sister in the US has sent my son a birthday present (value £250) and I've just seen on the tracking history that it's being held in US customs.
    Does anyone know how long it's likely to be held there and how much roughly I'll be paying in custom tax/VAT?
    My sister posted it via USPS which cost her $70
    Thanks in advance for any info :)

    is it not UK customs who hold the item?

    UK customs duty is detailed here
    https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty
  • supernoos
    supernoos Posts: 14 Forumite
    On the USPS tracking website it says 'Your item is being held in US Customs for further inspection'
  • uknick
    uknick Posts: 1,823 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    supernoos wrote: »
    On the USPS tracking website it says 'Your item is being held in US Customs for further inspection'

    Interesting, if that is true, one could assume US customs think it's suspect package.

    What is the gift?
  • 00ec25
    00ec25 Posts: 9,123 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    supernoos wrote: »
    On the USPS tracking website it says 'Your item is being held in US Customs for further inspection'
    you pay duty on importation, not on export

    as it is being held in the US, it must be because of security checks

    you will get you import duty bill when it reaches UK customs
This discussion has been closed.
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