Massive UPS customs overcharge...and I mean massive

bob_climate

Hi, long story short, I have a package from America arriving today which is disputed in terms of customs charge. I want to know whether to accept the package but not open it, or refuse it.

It cost me £243, but because there was a mistake on the US side, UPS here have sent me an email saying I owe over £1000 in customs fees, obviously I haven't paid this. Both myself and the seller have been back and forth over the last few days with UPS in America and here trying to sort this out. UPS originally thought the value of the items was $7000, no idea how. Anyway, after communication from the seller, and him providing the invoice etc. etc. the American side of UPS corrected the value to £243, and it was exported. However the UK UPS side of things have not yet updated and recalculated the correct customs charge. What do I do? I've contacted UPS here several times over the last few days, including providing the correct invoice, and they say they are looking into it but they still haven't sorted it.

Thanks

Devongardener

It can take a while to correct a misdeclaration of customs value.  If the goods have already arrived in the UK they will have been processed by UK customs and the duty due calculated passed to UPS for collection.  So UPS will have to liaise with Customs to correct it.

bob_climate

OK, thanks. So, I can accept the package and wait for them to sort it out with Customs?

bob_climate

I don't want them to say you've accepted the package therefore you've now liable to pay the (wrong) customs fee...

molerat

bob_climate said:

I don't want them to say you've accepted the package therefore you've now liable to pay the (wrong) customs fee...

They could but it is all civil debt collection etc, you will not have committed a "crime" not paying customs fees, they have already been paid.

You need to keep ALL documentation, e-mails, screen shots, packaging etc for if they do chase you.

bob_climate

Thank you.

Devongardener

bob_climate said:

OK, thanks. So, I can accept the package and wait for them to sort it out with Customs?

I doubt that UPS will deliver it to you before you’ve paid the import VAT and duty.   They pay HMRC on your behalf so have to recover it.