Claiming refund from UK Customs

samsyerman1

Its been a while since I posted on this forum but I have an issue with UK Customs and I thought this is the place to find help. My issue is that in February and early March of this year I was on holiday in Australia  for 5 weeks and then 3 days in Singapore.  I use e-cigs and did not want to have them confiscated in Singapore so I posted them back to myself from Australia at a cost of £15. So far so good. Yesterday I received a grey card from Royal Mail advising me that I would have to pay another £28.61 before my parcel was delivered to me. I have paid the fee which includes an £8 handling fee for the Royal Mail. I checked in the Complain and Reclaim section about the value of a gift sent from outside the UK and Martin has said it is up to £139 without charge. The value of my parcel was £100, and technically I was sending the parcel to myself so it was neither a gift or purchased in Australia. Any advice or information very welcome.

brettcta

The customs limit is £15.

from the .gov website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users#postal-packages-imported-arriving-from-countries-outside-the-uk-or-eu

2.3 What are the limits for customs duty and import VAT?

The limits for customs duty and import VAT are:

• commercial consignments, that is, goods you have purchased, of £15 or less are free from Customs Duty and import VAT. Note: This does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters, these items are excluded from the relief of duty and VAT at import. In addition, commercial consignments sent to the UK from the Channel Islands do not benefit from any relief of import VAT
• if you’re sent a gift with a value of £39 or less, which complies with the rules shown in paragraph 2.4, it will be free from Customs Duty and import VAT (gifts of alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and toilet waters are subject to the limits shown in paragraph 2.5, while gifts of perfumes and toilet waters are subject to the limits in paragraph 2.6)
• Customs Duty becomes payable if the value of the goods is over £135

Thrugelmir

Appears as if you've been charged 20% VAT on the goods and shipping cost. Unfortunately the shipping cost is subject to taxes as well. The goods are imported. Origination is of no consequence.