Dodging the £8 Royal Mail clearance fee for outside-EU imports

[jonathan75]

Wow - I didn't realise you can do this but you can. You have to ask the exporter to fill in this form, attach it to the outside, ensure “goods to be custom cleared by importer” is written on the form, and that's it, apparently (correct me anyone if I'm wrong). It looks like the only complicated bit is finding the correct "HS code" which you can do for the exporter to save them time. http://www.royalmail.com/sites/default/files/CN22_01.pdf

Here's how:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5153183#3

https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/how-declare-goods-when-importing-post
http://www.royalmail.com/help-and-support/I-need-advice-about-customs-requirements

Apparently it takes longer than getting Royal Mail to clear it automatically for you but I'm not sure how much longer. I'd be interested to know if anyone had tried it and if it worked alright.

 

[trex]

I don't think you can. There is no cheap alternative. To use electronic form, you need a deferment account to pay duty and VAT. If you use a forwarding agent's deferment account, they'll charge you 1% fee and also charge you for submitting the electronic form. The alternative to electronic form is to go to your local Customs & Excise to seek help. I have not heard of C&E taking paypal or credit card. There may be a business opportunity for someone to set up an online Customs clearance service. In any case, the Post Office also arrange for C&E's inspection of your goods.

 

[jonathan75]

I don't think you can. There is no cheap alternative. To use electronic form, you need a deferment account to pay duty and VAT. If you use a forwarding agent's deferment account, they'll charge you 1% fee and also charge you for submitting the electronic form. The alternative to electronic form is to go to your local Customs & Excise to seek help. I have not heard of C&E taking paypal or credit card. There may be a business opportunity for someone to set up an online Customs clearance service. In any case, the Post Office also arrange for C&E's inspection of your goods.

Yes you might be right, I'll report back on what happens.