Import duties re returned goods and Fedex please

Tallyho46

As per the header, Id be grateful for any advice re a problem I am having with Fedex and the payemnt of import/duties and tax.

Quick summary:

-In Jan 26 I bought a expensive jacket from a German retailer. It was shipped via Fedex and when it arrived I was required to pay import duties/tax via Fedex which I did
-The jacket was too small so I then arranged for its return to the German retailer also via Fedex. When returning the goods I included a CN23 form, clearly marked the forms and the box as "Returned Goods" and included a copy of the original sales invoice.
-A few days later Fedex then issued an invoice to me for the payment of duties/tax for almost the same amount as Id paid when importing the goods.
-I wrote to Fedex twice and explained all of the above. Have never heard a word back.
-Fedex have now referred the unpaid invoice to some debt collection company called Controlaccount.
-I have explained the position to them and asked that they refer this back to Fedex. I dont get the impression they are going to

I guess my questions are:
-did Fedex issue the invoice in error (even if no one spotted that these were returned goods, should the duties have been charged to the Germain retailer, not me as the exporter/returner?)
-should I just stick to my guns as this is a clear error or would it be easier just to pay the duties/tax again and make a claim for a refund from HMRC?

Thanks very much for any advice/insights

Okell

I'm no expert but was a CN23 form the correct one?

thats for sending goods and gifts abroad

Isn't there a separate procedure for returning goods you have imported that allows you to reclaim duties and tax you've already paid?

visidigi

How did you pay FedEx initially?

Sounds like the invoice is coming because the initial payment didn't get applied. The fact you returned it isn't relevant (unless you are expecting your original duties back, which would would have to apply to HMRC for - again separately)

Alderbank

You might not be an expert but you are spot on.

CN23 is indeed only for sending UK goods and gifts abroad. You stick it on the outside of your parcel and HMRC calculate the tax and duty accordingly, as they have done here.

If you are a private individual and you are claiming overpaid tax or duty you must submit form C285. This asks for much more information than CN23, such as proof that you imported the goods, evidence of the tax and duty you paid, etc.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-claim-a-repayment-of-import-duty-and-vat-if-youve-overpaid#what-youll-need--c285-form

Tallyho46

Thanks for the replies- it looks like its my fault then for not using the right form. Could I submit a claim to HMRC on the basis that I made a mistake when returning rejected goods to the German retailer and used the wrong form?

visidigi

So can you see what you did when you sent the FedEx back to Germany? Did you say you or the recipient should pick up the Duties and Taxes?

That aside…

You can submit a claim to HMRC for the initial duties and taxes payment, less fees, by providing proof you have exported it (the tracking number etc and fill out the C285)