I order cd's on a regular basis from america- yet cannot prepay my customs/excise duty- is there a way?

Question

I am a good customer with 'CD UNIVERSE' who are American based and as I reside in the United Kingdom- they cannot help me with this.

I would like to pay the post office in advance so that I don't keep incurring the £8.00 handling charge which makes it pointless in buying from the 'States'.

Can any one help on this issue? PLEASE?

Answer 1

hi there, i work for an advice centre with regards to these issues. unfortunately there is no way to pre pay the taxes as the taxes aren't legally due until the item arrives in the uk. customs only know they have arrived when the postal service declare them to customs. therefore, they've already done their bit that they charge you the £8 for.

it sucks but its unavoidable. i've spent about £50 or so in recent months on cd's and have so far paid £24 handling. don't we all just love the uk postal 'services'?