FedEx

Steve4614

I recently used FedEx for an international delivery from USA to UK. This was for repatriation of goods which I own and had taken to USA and left behind. Tax already paid on these goods at point of purchase. They are now trying to charge me an ancillary charge of £21 because all goods regardless of whether or not duty is owed have to be cleared through customs. Am I legally liable for this charge? What are my rights? Why was I not informed of this charge when I arranged to have goods returned? This charge was not listed on any documentation or my original invoice. Thanks in advance for any help

Kind Regards,

Steve.

dj1471

Pay it.

There is a process for claiming relief from duty in these circumstances but you can't apply for it retrospectively.

ssparks2003

If you want your stuff then yes.

sheramber

the person sending the items should have marked them correctly.

Why was I not informed of this charge when I arranged to have goods returned?

It is up to you or the sender to check out the requirements.

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

You don’t pay VAT or Customs Duty when your things are sent back to you – they must be described as ‘personal belongings’ on the customs declaration.

visidigi

They don't charge the charge if there is no duty to pay, unless you use a specific service.

from the FedEx Web Page it says

Ancillary Clearance Service Fee
Additional Line Items
￡5.00 per line if over 5 lines
Storage
￡ 5.00 per package per working day after two working days with a minimum of ￡10.00
Freight Clearance
￡35.00 per shipment
Returned Goods
￡21.00 per shipment
Other Government Agency Processing
￡27.00 per shipment plus pass through charges
Temporary Import
￡21.00 per shipment
Customized Service
35 per hour, minimum 30 per half hour rating
Direct Payment Processing
2.5% of Duty/Tax with a minimum of ￡12, which ever is greater
Post Clearance Entry Adjustment
￡53.00 per shipment
Advancement Fee
2.5% of advanced Duty/Tax with a minimum of ￡12 which ever is greater

You should have declared them as personal effects - did you declare them as returned or temporary import?

Note personal effects are still limited in allowable amount - and it doesn't matter if you have already paid tax on the goods - unless you can prove this and you do so with HMRC not FedEx.