Parcelforce Customs Charges

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 12:43

I've searched previous threads, but can't seem to find the answer to the question I have.

Recently ordered online from America a £420 item. Got a letter though the post yesterday saying I'm due to pay £99.69 in import VAT and £8 in Parcelforce charges for their admin.

Now, I've managed to source the item elsewhere and the seller (from the bay) is happy to accept returns. What's the best way about me going about returning it? I don't want to have to pay £99.69 that I have difficulty clawing back unnecessarily.

What would happen if I simply didn't pay and collect the parcel and they returned it to sender? I don't wanna lump the poor guy with a load of charges the other end either. Cheers!

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 12:48

Craig321 said:
Talk to Parcel Force and tell them you don't want the parcel?

I've been on hold for 25 minutes now, I'm trying..

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 12:53

mattyprice4004 said:
You may get the customs charges back, but not the ParcelForce £8. Also the seller won't refund the P+P you paid originally, and may deduct the cost of the return postage if he has to pay that too.
Is it not better to just keep it?

That's understandable. It would have been without the extra £108 on top, but unfortunately not with.

C.R.A.Z.Y said:
You're lucky the ebay seller is so understanding, it's your responsibility to understand import tax's when ordering from abroad. The seller is now going to be out of pocket because you messed up!!

I don't wanna lump the poor guy with a load of charges the other end either.

That's exactly what I've asked.. I'm happy to foot the bill to cover his costs...

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 13:00

C.R.A.Z.Y said:
Time IS money and you have wasted a shed loads of his with the hope you could save a few quid if it slipped through customs. I'm not sure I'd be as understanding as the seller especially if I'd had my time wasted by chancers like you in the past!!

Ok..

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 13:10

Teknobry said:
someone on here was saying you don't have to pay that customs charge and parcelforce can't force you to? vaguely remember the thread but not what the final outcome was.

I think that's more to do the with the £8 fee that Parcelforce charge you on top of the import VAT. AFAIK, the import VAT is due either way.

Stuff · 18 May 2015 at 13:22

tom_e said:
Good luck arguing with HMRC! The Parcelforce charge came down to Spoffle just grabbing his parcel and walking out IIRC not exactly proven in court.

Haha yeah, I wouldn't be going down that route for the sake of £8