To think this customs charge is WAY over the top??

[b1uebells]

Can anyone shed any light on this? I have a parcel from South Africa and the customs charge is £142!!!!!! Any idea why it is SO high?

Can I dispute it at all? I have to collect from the depot today but the charge is ridiculous!!!!

AIBU to be annoyed?

Well whats the value of the time - if its a £10k diamond - yabu

Without knowing what the parcel contains, it's impossible to offer an opinion.

The charge is dependent on the value of the contents. What is in the parcel?

Dh has said it was "no more" than £700. I don't know what it is, it's a present and he tells me it's not electrical. Think it's meant to be a surprise for the family. And we have no spare money atm so how he has afforded I don't know!

Sounds like it's something VAT-able, so they're charging you the VAT. Not that surprising, I guess, if it's something that could have been bought in the UK - if it's not, then I don't know. I doubt you'll get anywhere with appealing though, sorry.

What Thumbwitch said. On a £700 item that would be the correct amount of VAT

The limit is 40 pounds for gifts I think. Without paying duty I mean.

And the admin charge is very high. YABU.

YABU and won't win any dispute.

As the goods have been purchased from outside the EC, HMRC has levied 17.5% Import VAT on the total cost of the item including P&P (where applicable). The remaining c£20 is the Royal Mail or other courier handling charge.

When you collect the goods you'll be given the detailed invoice and will be required to pay in full before the parcel is handed to you.

Buyers are responsible for import duties/taxes etc and the onus is on them to know or research the relevant laws pertaining to their country of residence prior to purchase.