Customs duty - can I get it refunded if I return an item?

Question

I've recently bought an item of jewellery from the US but need to return it as it's not as per description. I paid £50 duty on it - how on earth do I get the duty back, or is it non refundable? Can't find anything on HMRC website

Answer 1

It does say on HMRC website:

3.9 Repayment of duty and VAT
If you reject and return goods to sender after paying duty and import VAT you may ask for a refund. You should make your claim in writing to HM Revenue & Customs at the address shown on the charge label, within three months of the acceptance of the declaration, enclosing:

the original charge label
the senders declaration (CN22 or CN23) and outer wrapper showing your address
a certificate of posting stamped by Royal Mail confirming the goods have been returned to sender.
If you are unable to provide the above information your claim may be rejected.

Answer 2

Us customs website is: www.cbp.gov

From there you can search to see if any of that helps or call the number they have listed and try to talk to someone in the department about it.