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Original poster

To think I’ve been scammed here - duty dhl

81 replies

Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 21:59

I’ve recently bought a bag for the bridge treated myself but bought in the sale but an expensive purchase! I’ve had a text from dhl saying I have to pay over 85 pounds in ‘duty’ taxes before they can deliver it?! The website said free shipping.. I’m confused! Anyone had anything similar happen to them?

OP posts:
DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:00

How much in total did the bag plus postage cost you?

For purchases from abroad over £135 (including postage) you typically need to pay 20% vat plus an admin fee of around £10-15. I'm guessing your bag cost around £350?

LittleGreenDragons · 07/02/2024 22:01

Free shipping means post and packaging. Duty taxes is HM Inland Revenue for import tax.

Original poster
Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:02

Paid 300 pounds for jt

OP posts:
Original poster
Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:03

Wow I didn’t realise import duty would be that much!!! Wish I’d never bought it now!

OP posts:
DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:03

Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:02

Paid 300 pounds for jt

See my post above. VAT is payable on any order over £135.

Acapulco12 · 07/02/2024 22:03

If you’re unsure whether it’s a scam, could you call DHL directly to ask them if you’re expected to pay duty taxes?

DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:03

I believe there are exclusions for items fully made in the EU.

RebelMoon · 07/02/2024 22:04

Are you sure that text came from DHL? Lots of scams doing the rounds. I'd be reluctant to click on any links in the text. Maybe call DHL customer service instead.

Original poster
Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:04

So paying the DHL link they’ve sent me is totally legit? Oh fuck! It’s not even ‘sale’ now - lesson learned here

OP posts:
Original poster
Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:05

The website made no mention of it at all but the dhl texts are definitely regarding the order from the bridge

OP posts:
DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:05

I think you can go on the DHL site yourself without following the link, so you'll know if it's legit. No reason it won't be as you've ordered over the limit!

Madcatwoman68 · 07/02/2024 22:05

Could be a scam text. Definitely contact DHL from a trusted website.

I have had lots of texts from Royal mail asking for details and payment before my item is delivered.

I haven't ordered anything!

aitchteeaitch · 07/02/2024 22:05

DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:03

I believe there are exclusions for items fully made in the EU.

Not any more there aren't.

I have to deal with import VAT and duty as part of my job, and we pay on imports from the EU as well as from elsewhere internationally. It is tiresome in the extreme.

justasking111 · 07/02/2024 22:06

I bought a bag used from eBay $25 from USA royal mail wanted over £40 in customs duty. I told them to keep it

DrSpartacular · 07/02/2024 22:07

aitchteeaitch · 07/02/2024 22:05

Not any more there aren't.

I have to deal with import VAT and duty as part of my job, and we pay on imports from the EU as well as from elsewhere internationally. It is tiresome in the extreme.

Show quote history

Aah, thanks for clarifying, it's not something I've ever pursued as I just factor the VAT/fees into purchases when deciding whether to buy or not.

Original poster
Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:07

I’m gutted this was already a really extravagant purchase and now it’s even more so

OP posts:
RebelMoon · 07/02/2024 22:07

Lennon80 · 07/02/2024 22:05

The website made no mention of it at all but the dhl texts are definitely regarding the order from the bridge

I wouldn't expect the website to mention it. They can't be expected to know the import tax arrangements in every country they ship to.

NeverMindIGuess · 07/02/2024 22:08

Use your tracking number and go via Google to DHL website. That way it'll be a legit connection to their site. You should be able to pay it the same way without any risk of it being a scam.

Import taxes are very common and never well explained (unless you read the small print)

wheo · 07/02/2024 22:08

I had to pay £12 for duty tax on a t shirt once

CreateHope · 07/02/2024 22:08

I think it’s another fabulous Brexit benefit - it truly is the sunny uplands 😄

StSwithinsDay · 07/02/2024 22:08

Is the DHL text from a mobile number?

K0OLA1D · 07/02/2024 22:10

Thank the folks that voted brexit! (Assuming that you purchased from the EU)

BarbieDangerous · 07/02/2024 22:13

More context is needed. Is an email address it came from or a phone number that texted you. If it came up as a +44 number then it’s a scam. Don’t pay anything via any links. Call DHL and see what’s happening that way

MrsPoliportsGoose · 07/02/2024 22:14

It's a byproduct of Brexit and a standard charge now if you spend over £135 buying anything from Europe.. Aren't we all lucky.