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Would you expect to have to pay duty on an American Amazon parcel?

8 replies

PuzzledBear · 27/11/2013 14:07

I ordered a package from the US Amazon site, with hefty shipping fee. Now I've had a bill from FedEx for duty! Is this normal??

OP posts:
AnAdventureInCakeAndWine · 27/11/2013 14:09

Not for books or children's clothes, but yes for amost everything else. Often it's not actually duty as such, it's tax and a whopping great admin fee.

WowOoo · 27/11/2013 14:12

Yes, its normal.

Sorry! I think it's duty and a customs handling charge. My most recent package had been opened, checked, resealed and stamped.

PuzzledBear · 27/11/2013 14:14

Damn. I was hoping something was wrong...

OP posts:
ImpatientOne · 27/11/2013 14:25

yep I paid it on my wedding dress from the USA and a penknife thing my Dad wanted. Completely normal I'm afraid.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 27/11/2013 15:35

Yes, usually it's the equivalent of VAT.

writingquestion · 30/11/2013 14:27

Yes, we ordered wallpaper and were hit with a large customs charge.

scaevola · 30/11/2013 14:34

Yes, you may have to pay both import duty and VAT.

The way in which courier companies act as agents in this is a bit dubious sometimes (as you are not the one who made the contct with them, you shouldn't have to pay any 'administration fee' for this) but you do owe the taxes (law of land, not specific contract) and must pay.

MinesAPintOfTea · 30/11/2013 15:30

Yes. That's why I avoid buying outside the EU.

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