I got sent a digital camera from the states through the post. Postal chages were all paid for that end, the contents were declared on the box, when it arrives in England all I get is a note saying I owe them 12.90 for a customs charge, and that I have to go pick it up and pay them! Why on earth would this happen?
2007-01-27 03:53:17 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United Kingdom
You will be charged duty and vat on imports from the USA. If you had brought the goods in with you there would be no charge as you have an allowance for "other goods". The Post Office act as agents for the government hence your bill for duty and tax. Duty and taxes have been payable on imports for the last 300 years its not a new concept!
2007-01-27 04:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by McQ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The post office simply collect the VAT and Duty and add a fee for themselves. As others say "cough up or you won't get the goods - ever!". And do not be tempted to get the sender - in future - to put an incorrect, lower, value. If that happens the goods will very likely be seized!
2007-01-27 05:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by Davy B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you purchase dutiable goods from outside the country, you must pay the customs duty in order to receive the goods. HM Customs & Excise always have their hand out; there's no way to avoid that. It's been that way for centuries.
If you don't pay the £12.90 you won't receive the cam, simple as.
2007-01-27 04:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It happens all the time, the object you bought is liable to VAT even if the post has been payed, it is not the post who are asking for the money but Customs, the declaration shows it is of a certain value so you will have to pay VAT.
2007-01-27 03:59:31 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
transport can take a protracted time, upto a month in specific circumstances in accordance with the way it became shipped. I doubt customs might worry with a small merchandise, it might basically be a quid or some thing in the event that they did. I order stuff from throughout, China, US etc.. and have basically paid rates as quickly as for a motor vehicle area.
2016-11-01 10:22:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's exactly what the Yanks said before their Boston Tea Party. They declared independence shortly afterwards.
It's in order to protect British businesses. (protectionism in the bastion of capitalism? Well I never...).
With very high minimum wage, extortionate property values, crippling laws on businesses, corruption and sky high taxes, the government has to play dirty to keep the country rich.
2007-01-28 06:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by dude 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋