The Wholesale Forums

[ADC]

Anyone else noticed if you import from China via EMS (parcelforce when it gets to the UK) and the invoice is in your own personal name (not the business) you never ever pay any Import Duty or VAT.

[PT]

You will have to pay VAT and import duties on all packages imported from outside of the EU. Regardless of whether its your name or your businesses name.

[ADC]

Yes I realise that. I would just like to know am I responsible if customs don't bill me, if the goods come with the correct invoice attached?

[PT]

As the importer, it is your responsibility to ensure the correct value is declared and that you pay any VAT and duties applicable. Its very unlikely you will slip through without being charged anyway, but should it happen, you are required to alert HMRC to this.

Have you checked the value declared on the invoice attached to the package? Also, how long has it been since you received the package?

[ADC]

I'm not just talking about 1 package. I've had 30 or 40 packages like that from EMS over the last 3 or 4 months. The correct value is declared on the invoice but they don't seem to bother even reading it. With DHL/UPS etc it's a different story. I always get charged the full value plus their admin fee.

[Andy777]

The same here...

BECAUSE EMS packages go through Post Office, not courier company.

[Costaconsoles]

Same for us here - have got 4 parcels sitting with DHL in Alicante at moment.....they are not the fastest at dealing with things here.