Import tax on a sweater?

Question

I live in the uk and i ordered a sweater from america for my daughter which cost around £40 , $90 all in including postage and packing. When the courier came to the door today with the parcel he said that i had to pay him £22.32 import tax, is this right? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

probably although you were unlucky, 17.5% vat duty ( we pay 3% but it isn't clothing, plus an admin fee.

Answer 2

If it was over 40 quid you would quite probably expect a bill from HM Customs.

A lot of people get their fingers burnt this way and frequently end up buying items that ultimately could have been bought for less in the UK and with full UK warranty. Many sellers will label the item as a gift, but many large sellers will not.

Answer 3

i read an article on the Customs and Excise website, and did a few calculations and have come to the conclusion that if an item costs £40 or more you will be liable to import tax and VAT, as the duty due will be over £7.

Therefore the item should have been £39.99 all inclusive to get under the tax threshold

call the courier and ask for a break down of the costs/taxes