General Chat

That would be a lie!

Thanks for the replies - I've only just been able to get my computer back from the dreaded teenager ;o)

Unfortunately, right at the bottom of the page I eventually found "We are not responsible for Customs charges.".

I have no objection to a FAIR rate of customs charge but NEVER did I expect such a huge percentage to be slapped on. In the meantime I've been phoning friends who knowingly (rather than accidentally, like I did) buy DVDs from the US and not one of them has ever had to pay duty, even on much larger purchases. So it looks like I've just been unlucky.

On checking the seller's feedback, I'm not the first to be caught out in this manner. As he is a high volume seller, it wasn't all that simple to locate the negative feedbacks.

The seller has just emailed me thanking me for my recent order and "We trust that you are currently enjoying your item.".

I'm in 2 minds about what to do next. Ebay Help has yet to respond and I'd like to take it up with Customs if only I can find out who I need to contact.

I'm very tempted to email the seller and say I've not received the goods yet and ask if I can have a refund instead.

To me it is a bit dishonest for a seller to just say they are in the UK and want paying in stirling. they must do this because they know if they added customs duty to the item they wouldn't sell it. surely there should be guidelines on this. they have to quote package and postage, why not the probability of duty?

ann
Glos

That may be true Errol, but surely the seller could say where the item was being despatched from. That way, at least you'd be made aware of any possible import charges.

Sue
xx

There is absolutely no onus whatsoever on the seller to inform potential buyers of any customs charges - how could a seller inform residents of every country around the globe of potential charges?

Was there any mention of customs fees in the listing? If you go into the help section on E-Bay there is a question and answer section manned by volunteers. Who give excellent advice and are very quick in responding. I have had loads of help through these boards on E-Bay. Good luck.

Lainey x

Anything you buy from outside the EU, so that includes the Channel Islands, costing over £18 will be liable for Import Duty and VAT.
In your case for a £20 DVD that would come, by my reckoning to £4.20.
The carrier will also make a charge for acting as your agent in clearing the item through Customs.

I have just received a notification that a £20 2xDVD set I bought off an ebay seller has incurred a £12 customs charge. Eek, that is more than half the cost of the item and a heck of a lot more than 17.5% VAT!

(It did catch me on the hop as the seller has UK in their title and only deals in pounds sterling.)

Does anyone know if I can appeal this and if so is it with HM Customs or Royal Mail?

Is there a website which explains how customs charges are worked out? I suspect it is quite random as, several years ago, a £30 charge was applied to a magazine sent to me from America. On that occasion, the payment card had a phone number and address on it. This time there is no such option.

All advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks