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View Full Version : Asked to pay import VAT, already have parcel?!?


jeremy fisher
12-12-12, 06:21 PM
Hi, anybody know anything about import VAT charges on packages from overseas?
I bought a Megasquirt ECU kit from the states and was quite surprised when it arrived on Saturday morning without me having to pay any extra import taxes. There was a label on the package that said there was £51 due to pay before the parcel is delivered, which was confusing as I hadn't paid and I had the parcel? But I thought, oh well, happy days, £51 saved!
Today I recieved a letter from Parcel Force saying they had a parcel for me but I owed £51 that had to be paid before the parcel is delivered? I presume that they cocked up and shouldn't have sent me the parcel yet. I was thinking of just ignoring it but it is a customs and excise issue rather than just Parcel Force so am I going to get them on my back too?
Anyone heard of anything like this before?
What would you do?
Is it Parcel Force's mistake and therefore their problem?
Thanks
chrisd1986
12-12-12, 06:23 PM
Ive had it with some stuff from us before and had to go pick it up from the depot, i would ring up and say you have already payed as you already have it
mowgli
12-12-12, 06:24 PM
you have pm
Jack
12-12-12, 06:40 PM
Normally customs won't release a parcel until the VAT/duty is paid - some couriers forward the bill and let you sort it out, others pay up to get the parcel then bill you. I suspect PF have done the latter and just made a mistake by delivering it.
womble sri
12-12-12, 10:02 PM
May be that they are are busy this time of year I also know someone that this has happened too recently they didn't recieve any letters but the package had the value on the outside. I'd just ignore it
Stuart
12-12-12, 10:07 PM
Normally customs won't release a parcel until the VAT/duty is paid - some couriers forward the bill and let you sort it out, others pay up to get the parcel then bill you. I suspect PF have done the latter and just made a mistake by delivering it.

Pf are the only ones we now of that pay up first then deliver, all the other couriers make us pay in advance of delivery.

Ask pf to see the parcel first, when they can't show it to you, job done no pay.
L14MNP
13-12-12, 01:15 AM
UPS too. They deliver first and then you get a letter from them for the customs charges. Don't forget to pay it, or you get another from the 'collections dept'. lol
Stuart
13-12-12, 07:36 AM
We get billed before stuff arrives from ups.
womble sri
13-12-12, 10:42 PM
UPS too. They deliver first and then you get a letter from them for the customs charges. Don't forget to pay it, or you get another from the 'collections dept'. lol

Any idea how long this letter takes to come through?
Jack
13-12-12, 11:27 PM
Fedex left my wheels with customs, I had to pay (them, who then paid customs) to release it. According to their tracking system anyway.

They were pretty quick about sorting it though. HMR&C generally don't like things loitering about afaik so only hold stuff for so long.
L14MNP
14-12-12, 12:50 AM
Any idea how long this letter takes to come through?

Inside a week ime mate.
jeremy fisher
14-12-12, 03:32 PM
The only option they offer is to pay online, so I don't think I can go and 'collect' and pay there and then. Think I'll ignore it for now and see what happens.
joff-turbo-nova
14-12-12, 03:36 PM
I bought a camera from the US a good few years ago. It came via UPS and a few days later an invoice for the import tax.

I sort of ignored the invoice, and 18 months later I got a rather curt letter saying if you don't pay up we will pass you to debt collectors.

I paid up ASAP, I just wonder why it took 18 months to remind me ?

Joff
womble sri
15-12-12, 12:20 PM
Inside a week ime mate.


I received the letter yesterday! Never mind I had expected to pay the charges but thought I'd got away with it when the package arrived. Mine was for a nice watch for the mrs for
Xmas still about £350 cheaper than the uk even with the taxes!