DHL RETROPSECTIVE DUTIES CHARGES

Drazzzzzzzzzil · 1 February 2021 at 11:01AM

Hi,

I'm looking for advise.
The situation is as follows: A friend sent a gift to me from Singapore which they paid all postage, contents was crisps and some second hand books for my child. This was not a purchase and I wasn't aware it was coming until it arrived. The parcel was delivered and signed for and at no time were we advised there was duties to be applied to it. 2 months later DHL sent a letter stating we owed 39 gbp of charges which was based on 20 gbp handling charges and 19gbp duties. I called them and emailed them explaining that they had not advised of any charges at the time of delivery and thus am not prepared to pay. They sent another letter which I emailed them back highlighting I could consider paying the duties as these are gov charges as a gesture of good will of there failing to advise, but refused to pay the DHL handling charges. At no time have they replied until now where they have passed the debt to a debt agency threatening action.

Do I have to pay? What should I say when I call the debt agency The parcel was also marked as gift with a value of 40 Singapore Dollar ( approx 20 gbp)
Its a small value but I feel conned and my principles are driving me to let them take me to court to argue.

I appreciate all comments.
Regards

Matt

couriervanman · 1 February 2021 at 11:06AM

You've got the parcel......tell them to do one or ignore/chuck letters in bin.
You will probably find with a little googling the "debt agency" is part of DHL aimed at frightening you

Sandtree · 1 February 2021 at 11:24AM

Unfortunately it is for you to know that taxes are due on overseas items that you receive, even if they were unsolicited. You can naturally return the items to the sender and reclaim the taxes but the cost of sending will probably outweigh the monies returned.

Why has DHL charged you £20 for their advance clearing? Their standard price is the greater of £11 or 2.5% of the taxes paid which means on a £19 tax it should be £11.

You could always have asked for a calculation of the taxes, remember this is based on the value of the contents of the parcel plus postage, insurance etc. Similarly if there is belief of a false declaration of value then these can be based on a corrected value.

Whilst couriers normally collect these fees in advance its not unheard of for them to collect in arrears. Its up to you if you want to fight over the monies or settle for an easy life. May also be worth having a word with your friend before they consider sending you more gifts.