Import charges, anyone experienced?

mattyfez

mattyfez

mattyfez

Soldato
Joined
12 Apr 2007
Posts
12,503
Hi all,
I've currenly got a wheelset which is being processed at parcel force coventry - looking at the tracking info (below)it looks like theyve had charges applied, the factory declared value at $220 USD, approx £145.

9/9/2015 5:45 International Hub-Forwarded for UK processing
9/9/2015 0:10 International Hub-Revised charges to be paid
8/9/2015 22:30 International Hub-Awaiting Customs Charging
8/9/2015 22:00 International Hub-Awaiting Customs clearance

Just a couple of questions for anyone who's imported before, as the status says awaiting charging, and then revised charges to be paid, does this mean they've decided the value differs from the delared value?

Also, as the current status is 'Forwarded for UK processing', does this mean the charges are finalised, and the parcel ready do be delivered out of the Coventry cenral hub?

If so can I speed up the process by calling them and paying the charges over the phone, as I've done some googling and it seems that packages can get stuck for days in the absence of a prod in the right direction?

Thanks
 
Was it ordered outside the EU?

If it was they'll hit you with VAT and customs duty if they were. I think you'll have to phone them first to find out the charge and pay it.
 
anticonscience said:
Was it ordered outside the EU?

If it was they'll hit you with VAT and customs duty if they were. I think you'll have to phone them first to find out the charge and pay it.
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Depends on the courier and the arranged service.

People like UPS and FedEx can deliver the item before you've paid the VAT (as they pay on your behalf), and then they'll invoice you after delivery for payment of the fees.

If it's over a certain value they need payment before delivery, but that's only happened with me when the VAT bill was over £500.

Generally, they take the value as given and then contest it with you if they disagree. They can even seize items for which they believe the value has been incorrectly declared.

You as the importer are legally responsible for the customs declaration (I know it seems bonkers as you didn't necessarily write the declaration form).
 
Had this twice now, both times RM sent me an invoice letter in the post with amount payable which was doable online. First was from USA, second Japan - both times there was VAT and a handling fee then a couple of days wait before the item was delivered.

Last time last year the item from Japan was about £80 in value shipped and cost ~£27 to import iirc.
 
mattyfez said:
If so can I speed up the process by calling them and paying the charges over the phone, as I've done some googling and it seems that packages can get stuck for days in the absence of a prod in the right direction?
Click to expand...

Nope, you probably have to wait for them to request payment of the difference.
 
Iv had two items imported before with values of around £120, and one of £200, that didnt get hit by custom charges.

Its a game of luck
 
mattyfez said:
Hi all,
I've currenly got a wheelset which is being processed at parcel force coventry - looking at the tracking info (below)it looks like theyve had charges applied, the factory declared value at $220 USD, approx £145.

9/9/2015 5:45 International Hub-Forwarded for UK processing
9/9/2015 0:10 International Hub-Revised charges to be paid
8/9/2015 22:30 International Hub-Awaiting Customs Charging
8/9/2015 22:00 International Hub-Awaiting Customs clearance

Just a couple of questions for anyone who's imported before, as the status says awaiting charging, and then revised charges to be paid, does this mean they've decided the value differs from the delared value?

Also, as the current status is 'Forwarded for UK processing', does this mean the charges are finalised, and the parcel ready do be delivered out of the Coventry cenral hub?

If so can I speed up the process by calling them and paying the charges over the phone, as I've done some googling and it seems that packages can get stuck for days in the absence of a prod in the right direction?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Normally you can call them and make payment before receiving the letter as long as you have the tracking number.

I've done this plenty of times for company imports because sometimes the letter can take some days to arrive and we normally need the items as soon as possible
 
For Parcel Force I tend to find I can call them when it hits the local depot and pay over the phone .. before then its been a bit hit and miss even with the tracking details and it having left Customs with the charge finalised.

Did get a 28p refund from Amazon JP yesterday on pre-payment of import fees on something which came a few months ago :)
 
Just tt add, it's saying received and processed, and the location has changed from international hub to national hub... Does this mean it's at a local depot now?
 
Raymond Lin said:
No....that would be local hub.
Click to expand...

Indeed. It needs to be at the local hub before they can help him. They wont take payment until it has arrived there.

It'll likely be updated in the next day listed as local delivery depot, held, awaiting charges.
 
Well called them, thanks for the advice, yes I can't pay until it's a a local hub, got hit with a £54 bill Inc handling, vat and import duty which is scandalous considering the declared value is £150.

Expected, but scandalous..
 
I've always found Parcelforce dearer than FedEx for importing. Though, FedEx is better to an extent. As they don't hold it until it is paid. With them you usually get a letter 1 - 2 weeks later for the import duties after delivery.

Plus FedEx clears it through customs very quickly as they obviously have their own team in Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. I've seen Parcelforce take up to 5 days to clear the main hub.
 
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