[meteorite-list] UK charges for opening packages?

From: Martin Goff <msgmeteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2012 18:01:42 +0000
Message-ID: <CAKEL=tDSEUwQzNn8VjZ+D6K5jV269ne0v_-aaKT5ga8evteufA_at_mail.gmail.com>

Yinan/list,

This unfortunately is a regular occurrence with parcels destined for
the UK. The reason is always the declared value on the customs label.
Officially the cut off levels are ?15 for VAT and ?135 for import duty
(?40 if its a gift) So VAT for example is charged at 20% of the total
cost if over ?15. The silly thing is that the Royal Mail charge a
'handling fee' of ?8 even if the duty owed is only a few pence. For
example i had a parcel delivered with a declared value of $25 and got
charged ?8.50 fees. ?0.50 pence VAT and ?8 'handling fee'. Its a
problem unfortunately and your buyer has no comeback at all. The whole
thing relies on the 'declared' value so of course dependant on how
'accurate' this is the problem can get worse or go away ;-)

Cheers

Martin

-- 
Martin Goff
www.msg-meteorites.co.uk
IMCA #3387

Received on Thu 08 Nov 2012 01:01:42 PM PST