Many UK consumers don’t realise they are eligible to get import duty back from HMRC if they return items bought overseas.
Any UK shoppers buying items internationally have to pay import VAT and duty on purchases above £135. However, since Brexit, shoppers in the UK now have to pay customs charges on items imported from the EU too.
What import charges do I have to pay on overseas items?
You pay import VAT on goods sent to the UK from abroad and this will be calculated on the cost of the item plus shipping and handling costs. The UK Import VAT rate is 20% and this is worked out after you’ve made your purchase.
Customs duty can range from 0-25% depending on your purchase but the rules can vary so it’s worth checking with the vendor before you buy.
However, the “rules of origin” agreement between the UK and the EU means that customs charges won’t usually be applied to products that have been produced and manufactured in the EU. If you need to prove this, you can ask your retailer to provide you with an origin declaration. Find out what upfront customs fees you will have to pay if you import goods to the UK with our handy calculator.
Can I get a refund on something I bought from the EU, USA or China?
Under EU rules, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, reduction in price or refund if goods you bought turn out to be faulty or are not as advertised. You are also allowed to return any goods bought online (with some exceptions) for any reason within a 14-day cooling-off period. Even if you just changed your mind. If you’re shopping from an international retailer located outside the EU, make sure you check their return policy for your rights.
Can I get a refund on customs charges if I return something I bought from an international retailer?
You are entitled to a refund on any shipping charges you paid when you made the purchase. However, the trader can still charge you delivery costs if you request a non-standard delivery (such as express delivery). You are also entitled to a refund on customs charges.
When should I make my claim?
Your claim must be made within 90 days of the import date for unwanted items. Please note that we only accept claims that are still within 76 days from when the item/s entered the UK.
How do I make my refund claim?
The traditional approach to making your refund claim involves contacting your courier and completing HMRC paperwork.
If you decide to pursue your refund via HMRC you get to keep all the refund you’re entitled to. However, doing it this way can become time-consuming, with numerous forms to complete and can even take a few months. Moreover, it can be difficult to track down an advisor to help with any queries.
In addition, if you get your claim wrong it might be rejected but if the claim is rejected due to missing details you won’t be notified. This whole process can take weeks.
What is a digital refund service?
Using a service such as Duty Refunds is a hassle-free and time-saving approach. A dedicated advisor takes all the necessary details and completes the forms on your behalf. We’re also integrated with established couriers like DPD, DHL, Parcelforce and FedEx, in addition to HMRC. All of which helps to speed up the process, which takes four weeks on average. It’s also done on a no-win, no-fee basis and costs a single 15% payment from your customs refund money when the claim is successfully paid.
Protect your consumer rights
It’s your money and your right to return. Don’t let HMRC hassle put you off from returning items, especially when you can get your import duty back as well as a refund from the supplier. Buying goods internationally and returning them should be as simple and stress-free as shopping locally. And with Duty Refunds on your side, now it can be!
How can Duty Refunds help?
Duty Refunds is the first and only online import duty and tax refund platform for UK shoppers. We have simplified the otherwise complicated and time-consuming process of refunding your import charges on returned goods so that you can do your international online shopping with more confidence.
Duty Refunds has helped customers refund their purchases amounting to half a million pounds and is rated 4.9 excellent on Trustpilot. We also work extremely closely and are integrated with courier companies (such as, DHL, DPD, Fedex and Parcelforce) and HMRC. If you think you’re eligible for a refund, find out here.
