e-bay and buying from abroad

[V8 Rumbler]

I recently purchased a couple of Stag rear light lenses from the states on e-bay.

they are currently sat at my local sorting office .

Customs are demanding a fee of £7.00 plus an £8.00 handling charge.:shock:

Why is this ? I wouldn't have been much worse off had I bought brand new ones:?Any thoughts or advise?

Darren

[sjm]

imported post

Hi Darren,

This is a new one to me as I purchase a few things from across the pond.

As yet I have not had to pay any extra charges, this could be the way that the goods are sent ie labled so the customs know theres no duty to pay.

Keep us posted

Regards

Steve

[GDPR]

imported post

I had similar problems - it's just customs and excise being greedy.

When I imported a rear spoiler from the US for my Accord coupe in '98, the company couldn't/wouldn't export direct to the UK. I thought I'd send it to my brother in Canada and he could forward it on......

Canadian Customs levied duty on the item, and because all the price and US/Can shipping was declared on the paperwork, UK Customs levied duty on the the whole lot - including Canadian duty and the US/Can shipping.....

By the time I got the spoiler, what was originally £140 plus £20 p&p to Canada turned thanks to 2 lots of Customs duty, Canada to UK shipping and a Parcelforce upfront charge ended up costing me £378........

You are getting off light.....

Russ:dude:

[loudnproud]

imported post

Just a thought but I have had some parts off e-bay USA and not paid any extra normal postage only, could it be down to the value of the parts posted, customs declaration label which you have to fill in asks for value of goods?.

Peter

[Bazstag]

imported post

I've had a few things from abroad and they've always put a label on saying 'Gift', so there's nothing to pay, Also heard that customs dont check on all thingsso you've obviously been the unlucky one

Baz

[DJT]

imported post

Hi Darren,

I've bought stuff from the USA via Ebay before and not paid duty. As has already been stated, I think it depends on how they have been labelled on the customs declaration. ISTR that I have had stuff described as 'Antique Auto Parts' or, as mentioned, 'Gift'.

I don't know whether you can challenge the charge or not. Unfortunately C&E are law unto themselves. :X

Dave

[GDPR]

imported post

The issue is more the UK Postal system paying the duty on your behalf, and then shafting you a lot extra on top for the privelige....

I wonder what would happen if you worked out it would cost you more to accept the package than just ignore it, and you told the post office that you didn't want it, and furthermore you didn't ask them to pay the duty, and that they could swivel for their money.......

Russ:dude:

[Thurlo Squire]

imported post

As some of others have already mentioned the answer is for the seller to write "Gift" on the parcel and then it attracts no duty.

[TimShoubridge]

imported post

All depends on the purchase value. I think the limit is 18 quid before duty. Most sellers simply bodge the cost to avoid. You've been unlucky but no way back now. Pay upI'm afraid. Don't think the option of ignoring it is available.