What Happened To The New Customs Charge Law Changes?

[PoochJD]

Hi,

Have just discovered, about an hour ago, that the proposed Customs Charge Limit changes that were discussed in length at the end of last year (in which customers would be able to import upto about £100's worth of stuff, without incurring any Customs Charges), was never put through by Government, and never officially passed. Hence, we're stuck with the old, crappy laws whereby anything over £18 can incur Customs Charges!

I discovered this, when I went to pick up a parcel, I ordered from PlayUSA.com, valued at £26-99, and got stung with a £12-04 charge, of which £8 of that goes to the Royal Mail!

It was only when I queried the charges with the nice Royal Mail guy, that he explained that he knew of the proposed changes too, and even the Royal Mail were getting ready to alter and publish new guidelines for customers, but then suddenly, without warning, the changes were all revoked!

I am seething! Anyone else know about this, or what happened?!


Pooch

[KevD]

No, it did change.

You have been charged VAT and Handling. Customs Duty is another charge which was very rarely charged on DVDs anyway.

[_dark_blu]

Originally Posted by KevD

Handling.

Nice bit of profiteering for the Royal Mail. This could be completely wrong, but could we not ask the Royal Mail how much cost is actually incurred to them under the Freedom of Information Act? Over the years I've paid them hundreds to hypothetically 'cover their costs'.

[PoochJD]

Hi Kev,

Originally Posted by KevD

No, it did change. You have been charged VAT and Handling. Customs Duty is another charge which was very rarely charged on DVDs anyway.

Dammit... You're right. I've just checked the labels on the parcel, and it does indeed say:

- Import Duty £0-00
- Excise Duty £0-00
- VAT £4-04
- Royal Mail International Handling Fee £8-00

Oh well. Looks like I was misinformed. Thanks for making me aware of that. The Mods can close this thread, as we have the answer, to the original question I raised. Cheers!


Pooch