Unexpected Customs Charges

We're still verifying this for US. Check the official source.

UK customs/VAT rules for goods sent from abroad (gov.uk guidance)

Thresholds

VAT is charged on all goods sent from outside the UK to Great Britain (or from outside the UK/EU to Northern Ireland), except gifts worth £39 or less. Customs Duty applies on non-excise goods worth more than £135 (no charge at or below £135); excise goods (alcohol, tobacco, vapes) are dutiable at any value. For goods worth £135 or less bought directly, the seller should already have included VAT in the price; the delivery company only charges VAT separately for gifts worth over £39 or excise goods.

Courier handling

Royal Mail, Parcelforce or the courier company contacts you with a bill for any VAT/duty/delivery charges owed, and will normally hold the parcel for about 3 weeks before returning it to the sender if unpaid.

How to dispute

To get a refund if you were overcharged tax or you return the goods, fill in form BOR286 (if Royal Mail or Parcelforce delivered the goods) or form C285 (for any other courier/freight company).

Source →

EU VAT e-commerce reform (in force since 1 July 2021), as described on the European Commission's VAT One Stop Shop site

VAT exemption removed

"The VAT exemption at importation of small consignments of a value up to EUR 22 is removed. This means all goods imported in the EU are subject to VAT."

IOSS threshold

"The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) has been created to simplify the declaration and payment of VAT for distance sales of low value goods not exceeding 150€ imported from third territories or third countries." Special arrangements for consignments up to €150 also exist for sellers who don't use the IOSS.

Source →