Regular Duty Overcharges

We regularly import goods from Japan that have a highly specialised use in the semiconductor industry. The goods are often shipped as components, which we assemble to make a product. The components could not possibly be used for any other purpose. The HS Tariff code on these goods is quite clear and unchanged for 20 years with zero duty payable. The carrier is DHL. For the past year or so we are now seeing small duty charges on every shipment. Small = about £20 to £30 on a shipment value of 1 -2k total. It appears that a component item on a list of say 10 similar components is singled-out and duty applied. DHL then charge a small fee for the admin. I realise we may be able to claim the duty back. If we claim on DHL they will charge us £25 per claim, so it is not worthwhile. If we try to claim on HMRC forms it's complex and time consuming. My concern is - why is this happening at all and how can it be stopped? Import documentation is clearly marked with the records showing the correct HS Tariff code applying to the whole shipment, so how can a random item be singled out for duty, indeed why not all components? I am sure we should not be charged duty at all and the small amounts are intended to 'go under our radar'.

Hi
I would advise contacting the Customs and International trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 with your query.
Thankyou.

Hi Customs will process the data provided to them by DHL based on the information provided to them. With the info provided it’s quite difficult to suggest what the problem is in your case Perhaps there is something on the data provided that is causing particular items to be declared differently to the others. It is very rare for a tariff code to remain totally unchanged for 20 years so I would double check in the uk tariff schedule especially for the 9th and 10th digits .. It’s also worth checking the goods origin rather than dispatch to see if this is the issue . Double check it’s not another type of fee applied by DHL.