Parcelforce Charges

[jetpilot]

I remember reading a thread a while back to the above mentioned ridiculous charges. Was there any rights defined here or is just a matter of gripping your heels and having them come in dry!

[Aubec]

Do you mean the import / customs clearance charges?  Grin and bear it mate.

Only way to avoid is to get the other party to pay customs fees up front / use another courier etc.

[jetpilot]

Do you mean the import / customs clearance charges?  Grin and bear it mate.

Only way to avoid is to get the other party to pay customs fees up front / use another courier etc.

Not customs charges (VAT), it is a Parcelforce Clearance Fee, totally separate to Vat or Duty.

I cant choose another courier on an item sent from abroad.

I have just paid £23.94 (£10.44 Vat & £13.50 Parcelforce fee) on an item including delivery costing £66. Just a disgrace.

Anyway, done some digging and found this of great interest.

http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?t=351900&page=16, middle of a thread but this is where it gets interesting.

Basically it is illegal for Parcelforce to hold your item in Lien. The parcel is yours by law and they are breaking the law by ransoming you to payment. You have to pay the HM charges but they cannot hold the parcel once you have paid this. They have to give it to you.

Read the thread, some guys have even called the Police from the depot!

[Hi RX7]

I have been robbed by Parcelforce as well with some stuff from Japan yet DHL, UPS and others I have used when buying hifi equipment from China have not, I guess its pot luck or bad luck if it comes through Parcelforce.

[trotter]

You DO NOT HAVE TO PAY PARCELFARCE CHARGES!!!!!!

Under law, you are liable for the customs VAT/Duty/etc, but the \'Handling Fee\' is essentially a charge for them paying the charges to HMRC and then billing you, but seeing as you didn\'t have the opportunity to do it directly then it\'s an illegal charge.

If you read sections 102 and 104 I think it is of the Postal Services Act, you will find it reads, "it is illegal to hold any parcel in lieu of payment not withstanding duty/taxes due on it" or words to that effect.

What you do is phone up and pay the duty/VAT, and ask them to invoice you for the handling fee (i\'ve done this several times). Once the customs fees are paid they CANNOT hold your parcel before you pay the handling fee.

And when the handling fee invoice turns up, put it in the bin. Simples!!

If you google Parcel Force Handling Fee, there is a great thread on moneysupermarket about it with loads more info.

HTH

graeme

[rx-dave]

Excellent post guys!! I\'ve just paid handling charges on 2 parcels along with the VAT. Wish i\'d known this!!
Dave.