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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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DAY TECHNOLOGIES LTD trading as “Duty Refunds”, registered No. 13058747.
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FAQ – Duty Refunds
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Articles on:Courier
More information about how to pay customs duty depending on your courier.

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  • Process
  • Courier
  • Import VAT
  • Customs Charges
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  • How to pay customs duty UPS?
    With UPS, there are different payment options: electronic payment from a bank account - Electronic Debit, cheque (with a remittance stub), and payment card. Check out our blog to learn how to pay UPS customs charges.Popular
  • How to avoid Royal Mail handling fee?
    You can't avoid paying a Royal Mail handling fee. All couriers charge the handling fee for handling customs on your behalf, and Royal Mail will deliver your parcel only after you clear the bill. In this guide, we explained why you can't avoid customs charges, and what you can do instead.Some readers
  • How to pay Parcelforce customs charges?
    You can pay Parcelforce customs charges online, by phone or at one of the Parcelforce depots.Few readers
  • How to pay DPD customs charges?
    You can pay DPD customs charges online. You will receive an email or SMS with a web link to complete the payment.Few readers
  • How to pay Royal Mail customs charges?
    You can pay Royal Mail customs charges online after receiving the "Fee to pay" card.Few readers
  • What is a handling fee?
    The handling fee is a fee charged by all couriers for customs handling. The courier pays import duty and VAT on your behalf once the goods arrive in the UK. Before the courier delivers your parcel, you will have to pay them back these customs fees and pay the handling fee for their services.Few readers
  • How much is Royal Mail handling fee?
    The Royal Mail handling fee is £8.Few readers
  • Is there a way to pay import VAT before the parcel is sent to the UK to avoid having to pay Royal Mail's handling fee?
    No. The customs authorities determine the rate of customs fees once the goods arrive in the UK. The courier will pay these fees on your behalf, but to receive your parcel, you have to pay customs fees and handling fees to the courier.Few readers
  • Is the process different depending on the courier?
    Yes, the process differs. If your parcel is delivered by Parcelforce or Royal Mail, you need to keep the documents attached to the parcel. If UPS, DHL, or FedEx deliver your parcel, we can obtain the courier documents on your behalf.Few readers
  • How much is handling fee?
    The amount depends on the courier company. Some companies (DPD, Parcelforce, RoyalMail) charge a fixed amount, while others (DHL, FedEx, UPS) charge either a fixed amount or 2.5% of duty and VAT, depending on which amount is higher.Few readers
  • Are there any couriers in the UK that don't impose any customs charges?
    Couriers aren't imposing customs charges. These fees are imposed by customs authorities and handled on your behalf by courier when they arrive in the country. However, the courier will ask you for reimbursement and charge a handling fee for handling the customs clearance on your behalf.Few readers
  • Which couriers do you work with?
    We work with all couriers; including major delivery companies such as DPD, Fedex, Parcelforce/Royal Mail, UPS & DHL.Few readers
  • What happens when you don't pay DHL customs?
    If you don't pay the customs duty, DHL will not deliver your parcel.Few readers
  • How do I pay DHL customs duty?
    DHL will pay customs duties on your behalf and then collect the payment before delivery to make the process easier. You will receive payment instructions via email, and you'll be able to make an online payment.Few readers
  • How to pay DHL customs duty invoice online?
    You can choose one of four payment options: online with major credit cards, debit cards, Interac, and PayPal. You will receive an email or SMS from DHL with a link to pay customs duty and import VAT. Simply follow the link and make the payment.Some readers
  • What happens if I don't pay FedEx tax?
    FedEx will pay import duties to HMRC on your behalf and then charge you for the duties and the administration fee to speed up the process. If you don't pay FedEx tax, your parcel will not be delivered to you. Check out our blog to learn more about FedEx customs charges.Popular
  • What happens when I don’t pay my import fees for UPS? Would I still receive my package I refuse to pay them?
    You will receive an invoice with the exact amount you need to pay for import duties and administration fees. Pay by date will be stated in the invoice, and you will be required to make a payment until then. If you don't pay import fees to UPS, your package will not be delivered. Check out our blog to learn more about UPS customs charges.Popular
  • Can I refuse to pay a DHL customs charge/refuse delivery?
    If you refuse to pay a DHL customs charge, your package will be returned to the sender. Depending on the seller's policy, you may be required to pay shipping fees. Check out our blog to learn more about DHL customs charges.Popular
  • What would a courier company do if I refused to pay customs duty?
    They will keep the parcel until the 'pay by date.' If you don't meet customs duties until then, they will send back the parcel to the retailer.Few readers

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