Parcelforce clearance fee - help!

Soldato
Joined
22 Sep 2008
Posts
4,300
Location
Kent, England
I ordered an item from the US a few weeks ago, costing around £30. I knew that this would be subject to import duty.

I've just received an invoice from Parcelforce saying that they are holding my item until I pay the Import VAT (£8.48). This is fine.

However, they also want me to pay a 'Clearance Fee' at £13.50. This means that I'm paying for more than 2/3 of the item cost in fees, which is ludicrous.

I was never informed of this Clearance Fee charge before or during purchase. What is the legality of this? A quick google seems to suggest that it can be contested.

Anyone able to shed some light on this?
 
Soldato
OP
Joined
22 Sep 2008
Posts
4,300
Location
Kent, England
I have this currently from from another courier too.

£3 duty and a £10 "admin" fee. The letters to date have been filed in the bin. I have my parcel... what can they do really.

Take you to small claims court, you'd end up paying duty but I don't know about the fee.

My problem is that Parcelforce are actively holding my parcel and refuse to deliver it until I pay their charges.
 
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