Not really any more than Parcel Force would charge for their handling fee. I always figure VAT, any import duty and a fee into anything bought from abroad

VAT is charged on postage and packing so the value is above the limit.

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The threshold for imported items was £15 for the purchase [excluding postage and packing] … but if the threshold was exceeded then VAT was charged on the total.

The ‘value’ is [was?] what was declared on the Customs form
[converted to GBP at the point of entry into the UK]

Unless something has changed recently; the rules [whilst rather convoluted] are very clearly described on the .gov website.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 11/10/2020 15:35:39

As far as I am aware most delivery companies charge a “handling” fee of around ten pounds. I’ve certainly had to pay the ransom to Parcel Force and UPS before.

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Which is exactly what Duncan should do

MichaelG.

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PostScript: This may, or may not, be the company that Duncan used … and the link might be removed by a Moderator for CoC reasons … but it is a clear statement from a Supplier who obviously understands the process.

https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/89-customs-duties-and-taxes

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 11/10/2020 17:23:05

I suppose you fell foul of the law of average, would you be complaining if that £11 charge was applied to a £2000 item?

Rip offs are everywhere.

The last order that DHL delivered to me from China attracted customs duties. The problem was that they didn’t bother to inform or invoice me, instead just sending a threatening email informing me of late payment and possible legal action. I emailed them back telling them that they hadn’t bothered to send an invoice or inform me in any way about the duty (and could easily have done so when the delivered the item), but this was completely ignored – they just sent another threatening email.

DHL’s information on this seems to imply that they use the same interpretation as Duncan.

… In my opinion, this interpretation is wrong.

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In the text quoted in my previous post, it is my understanding that:

Second bullet : “other goods worth more than £15

does not have the same meaning as : “the total value” mentioned later.

… It provides a decision point based on the ‘worth’ of the goods, rather than the total expenditure.

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Happily, this has been my experience to date.

MichaelG.

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I may, of course, be wrong !!

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 11/10/2020 23:32:20

DHL are fantastic for fast delivery from anywhere in the world, import charges are a major factor when determining whether to use them or not.

Price you are charged is price of goods + postage. only really worth it if total you pay would be less than uk purchase.

China post is quite quick these days + very little chance of paying import duty/fees, one should always factor it in though, just in case.