Harrylee smith

I have received a response from Border Force after submitting my BOR286, just within their 30 days service level agreement. They correctly state the value of goods I received from a sender in the EU as EUR80/£68.24 then confirm that duty payable is £13.65 plus charges. Since the total value of the package is below £135, I still do not understand why they have reached this view. All the labelling is clear. However they are willing to carry out a re-assessment if I sent them the original Customs Charge Label and Customs Declaration Label. I have asked they undertake this re-assessment. The labels requested were in fact supplied with my BOR286 submission. The person writing must have seen them, otherwise they would be unable to give the value of the goods referred to above. However, in the event of them being mislaid I sent copies, including the receipt from the post office when I collected the package. Customs oldtimer raises the possibility of a complaint to to the post office that received the goods, which is interesting. I raised the possibility of this in my letter, requesting return of the original labels if this is deemed to be the next step, as they may be needed. In the bigger picture, as described by contributor Tom O'Connor, I completely acknowledge that this is a trivial case with a tiny financial sum but I feel that the whole question of small-scale imports up to £135 is clouded with ambiguity and lack of clear explanation. I may or may not repeat this kind of purchase but I think it is important that I and others understand the implications of doing so.

Thank you to all who took the trouble to respond to my initial query and subsequent post in which I reported the customs charge. I actually discovered the BOR286 appeal process shortly after this by looking at previous messages and submitted my appeal two weeks ago. I still cannot understand why the charge was made as all the correct information was stated on the packaging, with a total value significantly less than £135. At the time of writing this I have received no acknowledgement from HMRC so still await their response. It is regrettable that relatively small imports for 'own use' purposes from our nearest trading partner appear to be the cause of such confusion.

Hello HMRC Admin 21 Response I was due to receive the footwear today referred to in our recent correspondence but instead received a card (ref 38266-CU) from Royal Mail advising me that the goods incur a customs charge of £21.65 including the handling fee of £8. I assume the reference to a customs charge relates to import duty and not VAT, which is specifically ruled out by the post from Customs oldtimer above. The retailer in Spain has also assured me that I would not have to pay anything on receipt and and you stated above that I will not have to pay anything to the delivery company as the goods are worth less than £135. It looks to me that I have been wrongly charged £21.65. If you agree that I have indeed been wrongly charged is there any mechanism to have it waived? The card does not offer this option, merely referring me to royalmail.com/fee to pay or to go to the local main post office. I prefer the latter but imagine arguing the case might not be straightforward so I would appreciate any further advice on how best to proceed from you or Customs oldtimer. It would be very helpful to have a statement from you confirming that I have been wrongly charged, to present at the post office, requesting the charge be lifted. Thank you

I am considering purchasing footware from an international retail platform with a purchase price of £71.45, including postage. The shoes are made in the EU (Austria) and posted from Spain. The goods fall below the £135 limit for duties but please confirm I will not be obliged to pay VAT (as well as any charges relating to this by the carrier) in the UK before receiving the goods. I don not know if the retailer in Spain is registered with HMRC. Thank you