Importing from Non EU Countries. Duty and VAT Demand

56cheffy

Recently I had another package from Thailand. It was delivered by the P.O. But prior to it being delivered I was sent a letter telling that there was £28 duty to pay. 
Are the rules different for each courier?

56cheffy

DCFC79 said:

OP why did you not research possible costs when importing.

Because it was a gift of little value and I would have quite happily paid what should have been small import duty/VAT.

56cheffy

theoretica said:

When you receive a parcel from abroad it has a sticker on it with the value filled in by the sender.  I see a number of possibilities.  The sender could have messed up - for instance written the wrong currency.  Somewhere between sender and customs there could have been a misreading eg 20.00 becoming 2000. DHL could have messed up and sent you the bill for the wrong parcel.    I don't suppose you still have the parcel wrappings and the vital sticker?

This page says you can apply to have HMRC errors corrected - but not how! https://www.gov.uk/guidance/refunds-and-waivers-on-customs-debt#content

Unfortunately I don't have the wrappings. As it was 3 months ago and I didn't expect any of this it was binned.

56cheffy

powerful_Rogue said:

What value was on the customs declaration?

Options - Either pay, or return the goods, making sure you notify HMRC beforehand.

Thanks, but I don't think they will want them back after being worn for 3 months! 

noitsnotme

56cheffy said:

theoretica said:

When you receive a parcel from abroad it has a sticker on it with the value filled in by the sender.  I see a number of possibilities.  The sender could have messed up - for instance written the wrong currency.  Somewhere between sender and customs there could have been a misreading eg 20.00 becoming 2000. DHL could have messed up and sent you the bill for the wrong parcel.    I don't suppose you still have the parcel wrappings and the vital sticker?

This page says you can apply to have HMRC errors corrected - but not how! https://www.gov.uk/guidance/refunds-and-waivers-on-customs-debt#content

Unfortunately I don't have the wrappings. As it was 3 months ago and I didn't expect any of this it was binned.

DHL normally send a copy of the document that contains all the calculations.  If they haven’t you can request it.

mattyprice4004

56cheffy said:

Recently I had another package from Thailand. It was delivered by the P.O. But prior to it being delivered I was sent a letter telling that there was £28 duty to pay. 
Are the rules different for each courier?

Yes, they are. DHL and FedEx tend to ask later, UPS, Royal Mail and ParcelForce tend to require payment up front. 

visidigi

Depends on the amount - I know FedEx will now ask for payment upfront from residential deliveries if over a certain amount (generally three figures) - I am very surprised DHL would deliver this without pre-payment - it does sound like a currency issue - speak to DHL and ask them what the best course of action is - as they have paid it, they either need to resubmit it for you, or alternatively you have to pay them then seek a refund from HMRC.

56cheffy

I have now been told that I was not issued with the Duty/VAT invoice until 3 months later because of a 'software update' and that I was not the only one affected!
My argument is still the same.
Had I been informed beforehand or at the point of delivery that so much was due I would have not taken delivery because IMO there was a mistake in the value of the package.
Should I pursue this?
Thanks

mattyprice4004

What did the document from DHL showing the calculations show? It was mentioned last time that if you haven't received this, you can request it. 

56cheffy

mattyprice4004 said:

What did the document from DHL showing the calculations show? It was mentioned last time that if you haven't received this, you can request it. 

The customs Debit Note which came 07/08 listed 5 items with a total value of approx £1800.
There was nothing when the parcel was delivered!
£338, £514, £150, £506, £301 WITHOUT the duty/VAT added!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is ludicrous as the items were worth about £100.