Paying Import Tax for a prize?

ingleandroxy1990

Very sorry if this is the wrong section.

Basically I won a PS4 online, and they sent it from Japan. The competition stated that it will ship anywhere in the world.

After receiving a tracking, I see that it's been sent from Japan post, collected by Parcelforce, and now this:

International Hub, Customs charges raised

International Hub, Released from customs

International Hub, Revised Customs charges raised

National Hub, Sorted

I phoned Parcelforce today, and they said the custom tax I need to pay is £85!!

Am I really responsible for paying for this?

Thanks in advance

00ec25

yes you are, you are the "importer" or "recipient"

It is no different to anything else sent from abroad - customs duties and "admin charges" will be levied, which you have to pay.

Nick_C

Just to add to that:-

Most goods arriving in the UK from outside the EU are liable to any or all of the following taxes:

• Customs Duty
• Excise Duty
• import VAT

and must be paid whether:

• you purchase the goods or receive them as a gift
• the goods are new or used (including antiques)
• the goods are for your private use or for re-sale

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users