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Duty Refunds is the UK's leading import VAT and duty refund specialist. We provide an easy, efficient, and secure service that helps you get an import tax refund when you return items to retailers abroad.

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FAQ – Duty Refunds
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Articles on:Customs Charges
More information about customs charges and how to pay customs duty.

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  • What does revised customs charges mean?
    Customs authorities can take a second look at your parcel if they suspect the declared value on the customs form to not be true. This means that your customs charges may go up or down after this second evaluation.Few readers
  • Can I still reclaim customs charges if I bought two items and returned one?
    Yes, you can claim a partial import duty refund. That means you will receive a customs refund for a proportion of goods you have returned.Few readers
  • How to pay customs charges without letter?
    This depends on the courier. Most couriers accept online payments. They send the link to complete the payment. Parcelforce also allows you to pay customs fees at one of their depots or by phone, and UPS also enables phone payments.Few readers
  • What is the difference between customs duty and excise duty?
    Customs duty is a tax imposed on imported goods from foreign countries. This applies to all goods except excise goods, such as alcohol and tobacco. If you want to import these goods, you must pay excise duties. Excise duties are taxes the government imposes on goods considered harmful to the environment or public health. The excise duty rate is usually higher than the customs duty rate, and these duties can not be refunded even if you return the order.Few readers
  • How do I get a refund on customs duty?
    In the case of returns, you are eligible for a refund of customs duty. To claim a customs duty refund, you should submit the reason for a refund request, proof of payment of customs duties, a copy of the invoice, proof of returned goods from the retailer, and a completed HMRC form. Duty Refunds can help you reclaim customs duty refund - all we need is your tracking/waybill number to start the process.Few readers
  • Who can claim refund of customs duty?
    You are entitled to a customs duty refund for bought and returned goods worth over £135 in the last 365 days. In case you bought alcohol or tobacco, you cannot claim a refund of import duties.Few readers
  • What is the difference between Tariff and customs duty?
    Tariffs are taxes the government imposes on goods imported from another country, while duties are imposed on the consumer for both imported and local goods that are a part of the intrastate transactions.Few readers
  • How much is customs duty from Germany to the UK?
    If the item is manufactured in Germany, the duty rate will be 0%, thanks to the Rules of Origin, which states that the rate for goods manufactured in the EU is 0%. However, if the item is manufactured outside the EU, the customs duty rate will be determined by customs authorities according to the Trade Tariff and commodity codes.Few readers
  • What is the period of limitation for claiming customs duty refund?
    You can claim a customs duty refund within the year of purchasing and returning the goods.Few readers
  • How to avoid customs charges from the EU to the UK?
    You cannot avoid customs charges if your goods are over £135. But there is good news - if the goods are manufactured in the EU, the customs duty rate will be 0%, so you only have to pay import VAT and handling fee.Few readers
  • How to avoid customs charges from the USA to the UK?
    You cannot avoid customs charges from the USA to the UK if the value of your order exceeds £135.Few readers
  • Does one have to pay import duties on gifts sent from abroad to the UK?
    If the value of the gift is over £39, you have to pay import VAT and handling fee. For gifts worth over £135, the import duty has to be paid too.Few readers
  • How to pay customs fees?
    Your courier will pay customs duty on your behalf. Then they will send you a bill and instructions on how to pay customs duty and deliver the package once it is paid.Few readers
  • What are the limits for customs duty and import VAT?
    Customs charges apply when the value of the goods exceeds £135. Also, import VAT must be paid for gifts worth more than £39, and customs duty kicks in when the value of the gift is over £135. If the gift is worth over £630, special duty rates apply,Few readers
  • How to avoid paying customs duty?
    There isn't a way to avoid paying customs duty if the goods are worth over £135. However, if you are buying from EU retailers and goods are manufactured in the EU, the customs duty rate will be 0%.Few readers
  • What is an import duty refund?
    Import duty is a tax paid to the government on goods coming from outside of the country. You can claim a refund for these charges if the purchased item has been returned to the country or origin.Few readers
  • What is customs duty?
    Customs duty is a tax charged on goods purchased outside the UK.Few readers
  • Why is customs duty charged?
    The purpose of customs duties is to generate revenue for the government and protect the country's domestic industries from foreign competition.Few readers
  • What are the types of customs duties?
    "Three main types of import duties and taxes in the UK are: import VAT - applies to goods worth over £135 and gifts worth over £39; customs duty - applies to goods worth over £135; excise duty - the purpose to limit the use of products damaging to health and the environment."Few readers
  • How much is customs duty?
    Customs duty depends on the value of the purchased items. The typical rate is 2.5% (or lower) for goods worth £135 and above. For excise goods, customs duty has to be paid regardless of their value.Few readers
  • How do I know if I have to pay customs?
    If the value of your goods exceeds £135, you will have to pay customs charges. Your courier will send you a bill stating how much should be paid.Few readers
  • How to calculate customs duty?
    Customs charges depend on the type and value of the purchased goods. Using the HS code, you can figure out on your own what percentage you will pay in customs duties. Or you can get a breakdown of customs charges in minutes using our Import Duty Calculator.Few readers
  • Do I have to pay customs after I’ve already paid shipping?
    Yes. The shipping fee doesn't include customs duty, and it is established once the purchased goods enter the country.Few readers

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