Receiving an unexpected customs charge from Parcelforce can be confusing. This article will explain what revised customs charges are, why they are applied, and what you need to do when your Parcelforce delivery is held for these fees. We’ll also look at how to avoid extra charges in the future. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
What Are Customs Charges?
Customs charges, also known as import duties or import fees, are taxes applied to goods coming into the UK from outside the European Union. They are collected by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
When an international parcel arrives in the UK, it undergoes customs clearance. This is when Parcelforce and HMRC inspect the contents and decide if any customs charges apply based on:
- The value of the items
- The type of goods
- The country of origin
If customs duties are due on your Parcelforce delivery, you will receive a card informing you of revised customs charges raised. This means Parcelforce has paid the fees on your behalf initially, but is now requesting you pay the charges owed.
Why Has Parcelforce Paid Customs Charges for Me?
Parcelforce often pays the import duties upfront so your parcel can be released from customs faster. This prevents your delivery from being held up at the border for too long.
They do this as a service to allow your items to be delivered more quickly. Parcelforce then seeks reimbursement from you, the recipient.
How Are Customs Duty Amounts Calculated?
The amount you owe in customs fees will depend on:
- The value of goods – Higher valued items attract higher charges. Gifts under £39 in value are usually exempt.
- The type of merchandise – Some products, like tobacco or perfume, have higher duty rates.
- Country of origin – Goods manufactured outside the EU have higher taxes.
- VAT – Value added tax is applied on top of customs duties. VAT is typically around 20% of the value of the goods.
Customs charges can vary but typically range from around £8 to £25 per Parcelforce delivery.
Why Has Parcelforce Revised My Customs Charges?
If you receive a note about revised customs charges, it means Parcelforce has adjusted the fees you need to pay. This can happen for several reasons:
- HMRC examined your parcel after entry and found the value was higher than originally declared. This increased the customs fees owed.
- Parcelforce made an error in the initial customs calculation.
- New information came to light about the contents which put it in a higher duty bracket.
Don’t be alarmed if your fees have increased. Parcelforce is simply revising the charges to reflect what is actually due.
What Do I Need to Do When Customs Charges Are Owed?
If Parcelforce has paid duties on your behalf, you will need to reimburse them before your parcel is delivered. Here’s the process:
- Your item will be held at the local delivery depot.
- Parcelforce will attempt to contact you requesting payment of the revised charges.
- You can pay online via credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Cash and cheque are also accepted at Parcelforce locations.
- Once payment is received, Parcelforce will schedule delivery of your item.
Be sure to pay promptly so you don’t experience delays receiving your goods!
How Can I Avoid Customs Charges When Ordering Internationally?
While customs fees are sometimes unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimise charges:
- Ask the sender to mark your parcel as a gift and declare a value under £39. Gifts within this threshold are duty-free.
- Opt for tracked shipping as it undergoes clearance faster than untracked mail.
- Know the duty rates for certain products you buy regularly overseas. Some types of goods tend to incur higher fees.
- Check if you’re VAT registered – this allows you to reclaim import VAT later.
- Consider customs pre-payment services offered by some carriers like DHL and FedEx. This prevents delivery delays.
- Split orders into multiple smaller packages as the fees are calculated per parcel.
Key Takeaways:
- Customs charges from Parcelforce are import duties and taxes applied to international deliveries. Parcelforce often pays these upfront and then seeks reimbursement from recipients.
- Revised customs charges occur when the original calculation changes after further inspection by border authorities. The amount owed is revised upwards or downwards accordingly.
- If you receive a card about customs fees, you will need to pay the revised charges before Parcelforce will deliver your items. You can pay online, by phone or at a local office.
- You can minimise chances of import duties by having your parcel marked as a gift, using tracked shipping, understanding duty rates for certain goods, and more.
Receiving a customs bill from Parcelforce can be frustrating but is often unavoidable when ordering goods from outside the UK. Now that you understand why the charges are applied and what to do when fees are owed, the process should feel less daunting. Pay promptly so you can take delivery of your international Parcelforce parcel without delay.
