Customs Charges

In most cases, when you buy goods through the Internet (from a business outside the European Union (EU)) you will have to pay variable rates of Customs Duty, Import VAT and possible Excise Duty.

• Customs Duty - if the amount of duty is £7 and over.
• Import VAT - if the value of the goods is £18 and over.
• Excise Duty - for some goods, such as alcohol and tobacco.

Customs Duty is not payable on goods brought from countries within the EU. However, VAT is payable (if due) either in the EU country of purchase, or in the UK if the EU supplier is UK VAT registered.

The Post Office or courier service may also charge you for processing your package through Customs. They usually collect these additional charges along with the Customs charges on delivery.