Customs Clearance Charges charged after delivery - DHL

Selector

BoGoF wrote: »

OP seems very good at doing their research after the event. If only they were so diligent before importing goods to the UK.

I only need to do research when things go wrong. And then only to assure myself of my position.
I've been importing and exporting for over thirty years. And considering how many online orders to my household come from China these days (as the DHL package did), I'm well and truly accustomed to the process.
And yet, in over thirty years, I've never heard of a courier collecting any charges (including customs charges) after delivery - unless the receiver has setup a credit account with the delivery company. I perfectly understand they tend to do it for expediency's sake to keep their operations fast flowing and such. But I, equally, understand that they cannot make their need to streamline their business processes into my problem or my obligation.... 'without my permission'.
If only contributors weren't so judgemental and presumptive before replying.

The_Rainmaker

Selector wrote: »

And yet, in over thirty years, I've never heard of a courier collecting any charges (including customs charges) after delivery

Aye right!

Just await your court papers.

powerful_Rogue

Selector wrote: »

I only need to do research when things go wrong. And then only to assure myself of my position.
I've been importing and exporting for over thirty years. And considering how many online orders to my household come from China these days (as the DHL package did), I'm well and truly accustomed to the process.
And yet, in over thirty years, I've never heard of a courier collecting any charges (including customs charges) after delivery - unless the receiver has setup a credit account with the delivery company. I perfectly understand they tend to do it for expediency's sake to keep their operations fast flowing and such. But I, equally, understand that they cannot make their need to streamline their business processes into my problem or my obligation.... 'without my permission'.
If only contributors weren't so judgemental and presumptive before replying.

There's your issue. When importing from outside the EU into the UK you should research the process and duties/VAT etc.

Ignorantia juris non excusat or ignorantia legis neminem excusat.

As you didn't opt to do self clearance, then the obligation is on you to pay the duties/levies.

No-ones being judgemental, it's just that you're not hearing what you want to.

mattyprice4004

What is it with all these 'tell me what I want to hear, or you're wrong' threads recently?

You can guarantee these are the exact same people that'd moan if the parcel was held until Customs were paid.
Also as a side note, you can't just not pay the charges if you're notified before delivery, and expect a refund from the seller - you should be familiar with the rules regarding duty and VAT on imports in your country, it's not the seller's problem and you absolutely can't expect them to be out of pocket on the return coming back to them because of your unfamiliarity.

I export and import from most countries, and if a customer decided to let a parcel be returned due to import charges due they'd unfortunately be liable for both the outgoing and return postage charges.

davidmcn

Selector wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. That would be in your opinion, of course.

In my legal opinion, yes. Feel free to ignore the pro bono advice if you like, though I'm not sure why you asked.

Mr_Singleton

davidmcn wrote: »

it seems to be commonplace for them to invoice after delivery. Doesn't make a difference to your obligation to pay.

Interesting.... So if i bought a takeaway for £15 could the delivery driver send me a delivery charge invoice for £45 a month later?

Its the sender that's the customer not the receiver.... I'd tell them to come and pick the packet up and return it.

custardy

Selector wrote: »

I only need to do research when things go wrong. And then only to assure myself of my position.
I've been importing and exporting for over thirty years. And considering how many online orders to my household come from China these days (as the DHL package did), I'm well and truly accustomed to the process.
And yet, in over thirty years, I've never heard of a courier collecting any charges (including customs charges) after delivery - unless the receiver has setup a credit account with the delivery company. I perfectly understand they tend to do it for expediency's sake to keep their operations fast flowing and such. But I, equally, understand that they cannot make their need to streamline their business processes into my problem or my obligation.... 'without my permission'.
If only contributors weren't so judgemental and presumptive before replying.

So which couriers have you used before.
The only one I know that doesnt invoice after delivery is Parcelforce.
However its moot.
You are the same as the hundreds before you whining after the fact you didnt know,didnt have a contract yada yada.
Imagine if HMRC were to deal with the clearance themselves. Oh the uproar.

powerful_Rogue

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Interesting.... So if i bought a takeaway for £15 could the delivery driver send me a delivery charge invoice for £45 a month later?

Its the sender that's the customer not the receiver.... I'd tell them to come and pick the packet up and return it.

If it had gone through an international border where duties and tarriffs were due, then yes.

It's the receiver that is the 'customer' of HMRC when importing goods from outside the EU.

custardy

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Interesting.... So if i bought a takeaway for £15 could the delivery driver send me a delivery charge invoice for £45 a month later?

Its the sender that's the customer not the receiver.... I'd tell them to come and pick the packet up and return it.

Did you pay VAT on your takeaway?
Yes.
So just like the OP except they chose to order from outside the EU and are liable for the VAT on import.

Mr_Singleton

powerful_Rogue wrote: »

In future, you might look at self clearance - Although takes longer and would cost you more in time.

But you failed to answer the basic question.... is it fair/legal to RETROSPECTIVELY add an additional arbitrary charge.

At least Royal Mail give you an option.