Import duty?

Question

I ordered a hat from U.S.A on the internet. It cost 49 dollars (£25) It was being sent to my elderly mother, but the delivery driver wanted £22 charge for import....My poor mother did not have the money on her so the driver left an invoice. This seams a very high amount for this hat? Any body know if this is right please?

I paid $30 shipping up front to the company I ordered the hat from.

Answer 1

That sounds about right. Duty is charged not only on the value of the item, but also the cost of shipping as well. The Post Office charge about £6 just to clear it through customs on your behalf without the import duty and VAT. Other couriers like Federal Express and DHL charge even more to clear an item.

Generally, it breaks down like this (give or take a bit):

3% duty on 80 dollars (£40) = £1.20
17.5% VAT on 80 dollars = £14.00
Post Office Clearance Fee = £6

Total approx £21

Answer 2

The amount you paid in shipping has nothing to do with customs. Customs is a tax paid by the importer (you).

The amount charged includes the customs tax and a brokerage fee (if the hat was delivered via a 3rd party courier, these get very high).

The exporter should have put the value at the amount you paid, not to include shipping...but since this is a textile, the tariffs could be quite high.

Answer 3

Sounds about right.
You will be charged VAT on the item plus a set fee for the privalage of the customs men opening up and re-sealing the parcel (arnt they nice)

Answer 4

I once ordered maternity clothes from USA and was asked to pay import tax. I remember paying £19 and they clothes that i bought were about $100 so i think you may have been over charged

Answer 5

What were the delivery terms?