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Customs Charges When Buying from Abroad
For most goods you buy from abroad worth £135 or less, the seller includes VAT in the price. For goods over £135, gifts over £39 and excise goods, you pay VAT (and possibly customs duty) to the delivery company before delivery. If you return goods or were overcharged, you can claim a refund.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Tax and Duty
What You Pay
For goods you bought (not excise goods), the seller includes VAT in the total. You pay VAT to the delivery company for gifts over £39, excise goods and goods worth more than £135. Customs duty may apply to excise goods or goods over £135, charged on the price plus postage, packaging and insurance. Royal Mail, Parcelforce or the courier sends a bill with the exact fees. Parcels are normally held for about 3 weeks, then returned. source
Refunds
If you return goods or think you were overcharged, claim a refund using form BOR 286 (Royal Mail or Parcelforce) or C285 (other couriers). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- About 3 weeksParcel held for paymentThen returned to the sender
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the price and whether the seller included VAT.
Step 2 of 5
Check the bill comes from the real delivery company.
Step 3 of 5
Pay only through the official delivery company.
Step 4 of 5
Claim a refund with BOR 286 or C285 if overcharged.
Step 5 of 5
Ask the seller about hidden import costs.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Delivery Company
Questions about the bill.
HMRC Refund Forms
BOR 286 or C285.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Scam texts often ask for "customs fees": check with the delivery company directly.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty Checked 13 October 2026