Import VAT - DHL Question

[Mull3t]

Hi All,

Can't really find an answer to this anywhere.

I have been importing some stuff for a while now from China and the usually tracking information normally updates with DHL stating 'Customs Status Updated' and normally I would go ahead and log onto the ePayments and pay the VAT (product is Duty free).

Only this time it has gone through all the usual checkpoints right up to with local sorting office.

So my question is; does everything being imported in the UK have VAT applied through DHL? Or do some things go through the net?

I know a while ago importing products from the Far East was hit or miss if you got charged or not but assumed things had been tightened up to apply to everything that is over £15 value.

 

[Mull3t]

It's product, I've been ordering and having regular deliveries and just like clock work I would go onto the epayments for DHL once it cleared customs and pay by card but on the recent one it states nothing is outstanding but yet has cleared to local sorting office.

 

[Mull3t]

To be honest the value of the order coming is pretty high, just over £2000. My usual orders are around £800/£1000 a time, that's why don't really understand why this larger one seems to have gone through without the usual payment prompt to my mobile number or tracking.

I'd set aside the VAT cost, think I'll just leave it for now as most likely get a letter in a couple of weeks!