Having successfully challenged a couple of customs charges for postage from US to UK, I recently challenged another one based on the following letter (from me):

 

With reference to the above Border Force charge of £16.85 in relation to £8.85 VAT plus £8.00 Royal Mail International Handling Fee. The charge notice states that VAT is payable on items over £36 sent between private individuals. The customs label clearly states a value of $50. Using 2 $ to £ conversion sites on 6 June 2014 ( foreignexchange.org.uk and dollars2pounds.com) $50 converts to £29.70 and £29.75 respectively.

Please refund the £16.85 together with an apology.

 

Two letters later ( I only do it in part to be a pain) I'm now being told that the VAT is charged on the $50 + $24.75, making a VAT charge of 20% on £44.28 = £8.85.

 

Does anyone with any legal mind know if the border force are within their right to charge VAT on the postage as aprt of the value of the good?

 

Thanks for any advice, (tight) Dean.

I don't have any legal knowledge but I'm pretty sure it is the total value of the order/package, which includes shipping charges, that the VAT and other charges are calculated on.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

They charge VAT on the total - goods + shipping

 

The only time they don't charge VAT on the shipping amount is if the goods are declared as a gift and sent standard airmail (not registered)

Agreed..........annoying, but yes, total package value!

 

 

Cheers,

Mark R

Thanks for responses, that's that line of argument gone!