You may not have been expecting to receive a Duty and Tax Invoice so we’ve put together some Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand what these charges include. If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service.
Customer service
What is Duty and Tax and why should I pay?
What is Duty and Tax?
Customs Duty is a tax charged on all products shipped from outside of the EU. Controlled by HM Revenue and Customs, the purpose of Duty is to bring the cost of imported goods up to the same cost as those produced within the EU to keep competition fair.
Who has to pay?
The person or business receiving the shipment is legally obliged to pay Duty unless the sender has agreed to accept these charges in the contract of sale.
What is the Disbursem*nt Fee?
TNT pays the Duty and Tax charges to the customs authorities on your behalf so that your goods can clear customs.
This incurs a Disbursem*nt Fee, dependent on the Duty and Tax amount, as follows: (table below).
Duty and Tax amount Disbursem*nt Fee
£0 - £45.50 30% of the Duty and Tax amount with a minimum of £4.25
£42.50 - £510.00 A flat fee of £12.75
£510.00+ 2.5% of the Duty and Tax amount
Why didn’t you tell me I was going to be charged?
Why didn’t TNT advise me of this at the time of delivery?
Where possible, we will contact you in advance with an estimated cost of Duties and Taxes prior to your shipment being assessed by HM Revenue and Customs. However, this is not always possible and we are often not aware of the charges levied until after we have delivered your package.
What if I have already paid Duty and Tax?
I paid Tax when I purchased this item
Goods purchased from outside of the UK may be subject to tax charges from the originating country and the shipper may charge you for this. If this is the case, HM Revenue and Customs import charges will still be levied when the goods enter the UK, as this is a separate charge.
I pre-paid Duty and Tax charges before delivery
At the time of import, you may be charged an estimated figure. This is calculated prior to an assessment of your shipment by HM Revenue and Customs. If the estimate is lower than the final charge you will be required to pay the difference, and if it is higher we will refund the difference.
I believe the shipper paid for all charges relating to this shipment
Duty and Tax charges are not assessed until the shipment enters the UK. If your shipper has advised they have paid TNT for these charges, this usually relates to the payment they have made for transportation charges and not Duty or Tax.
I don't think this shipment should incur Duties and Taxes
I am a temporary visitor to the UK
You will need to pay the import charges but may be entitled to claim the charges back when you leave the UK. This depends on the individual circ*mstances of your package.
I purchased my goods online
The prices advertised on websites outside of the EU often do not include UK Duty. This can make products appear cheaper when compared to the UK prices. For more information and advice visit http://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights
The shipment is a gift
Items up to £39.00 in value that meet the following HM Revenue and Customs criteria are not liable for import charges:
The sender must be a private individual and the consignee must take delivery at a private address.The gift must be sent free of charge and be of an "occasional nature".The word "gift" must be marked on the Air Waybill and commercial invoice.All items must be itemised with their own full description and value.Please note that items containing alcohol and tobacco will incur Excise Duty. Items containing food may need to have additional documentation and be subject to further checks which could result with additional charges.
The shipment contains samples
Samples can be imported to the UK without Duty or Tax charges as long as they meet the following HM Revenue and Customs conditions:
Can only be used as samples.
Are of a negligible value.Intended to obtain orders for the type of goods represented.You are EORI registered
My goods are second hand
HM Revenue and Customs assess Duty and Tax liability regardless of age or previous ownership. If you purchase antiques or original artwork there is a reduced rate of VAT where goods meet the correct criteria.
What if I no longer want the shipment?
How do I reject the shipment?
To be classed as a rejected import, your shipment must comply with the following HM Revenue and Customs criteria:
- the goods are defective, were damaged before clearing HM Revenue and Customs or do not comply with the suppliers terms and conditions of contract.
- All claims must be made before the goods are returned or destroyed.
- All claims must be made within 12 months of the original entry to HM Revenue and Customs.
You will need to pay any Duties and Taxes to TNT, and process a claim directly with HM Revenue and Customs to reject your shipment.
Where can I find more information?
More information about Duties and Taxes
Contact HM Revenue and Customs National Advice Service on 0300 200 3700 or visit the HMRC website.
Consumer advice about products sold by companies outside of the UK
Contact the Office of Fair Trading consumer advice service on 08454 04 05 06 or visit the Citizen’s Advice consumer service website.
I have a general invoice or account enquiry
Please contact 08457 646564
How do I Pay?
By Phone
Call 01706 827511 and select 'make a payment'
Please remember to have your invoice number ready.
BACS
Please email a remittance advice to
tntuk.cash.allocation@tnt.com
To pay by bank transfer, please refer to the details on the invoice.
IMPORTANT! Please include your invoice number when making the payment.
Relevant links
How to
Commercial invoice
Surcharges
About prices
