Returning overseas parcel/import tax?

monaymadlol

Hi, I purchased an item from USA which I later changed my mind about but they'd posted it already (they, as in a business).

To get a refund, I'll need to cover my own return shipping and they will refund 95% as they will need to cover visa transaction costs

That's fine

However, the item will incur import tax.

So, if I can prove that the item was unopened and sent straight back, would I still need to pay it? Or if I've signed for it, have I technically taken ownership?

It's not a cheap item, so I want to get it right.

The courier will be DHL/ups.

Issue is, if delivery is refused, would the sender incur return costs? And it would go back likely via ship and take weeks/months?

Thoughts, welcome.

user1977

As I understand it, normal procedure is that you need to pay the tax and then claim a refund from HMRC on the basis you "un-imported" it. I suspect refusing delivery may cause even more hassle - at least if you take delivery and arrange the return, you're in some control of what's happening to it.

Flight3287462

How much is this all going to cost you to return with suitable insurance and risk the US hit with import tax?  I would never think of returning something overseas just potentially too much to go wrong.  Can you not sell it here?

As for refusing delivery, it might never be returned to the seller and you won't get a refund.

monaymadlol

Thank you! Any idea of form to use etc 

monaymadlol

Flight3287462 said:

How much is this all going to cost you to return with suitable insurance and risk the US hit with import tax?  I would never think of returning something overseas just potentially too much to go wrong.  Can you not sell it here?

As for refusing delivery, it might never be returned to the seller and you won't get a refund.

Sorry but I buy and sell nationally and internationally all the time, higher value goods, so it's no issue or anything, just an minor expense and slight hassle. I tend to think many users are more risk averse/risk conservative, so I can see how it may seem alarming 😂

I'll get onto HMRC on re-import duties.😁