I posted an article a couple of years back on how to claim back the £12 ‘customs advancement fee’ from FedEx, but I’ve since had problems with Border Force wrongly calculating
For example, the invoice might state $19USD total value, and yet I’ve been charged £30 Import VAT. The actual calculation should be 20% of £14.80, which is £2.96.
Fortunately, there’s always a way to claim back.
For Royal Mail or ParcelForce imports
If you received the shipment via Royal Mail or ParcelForce, the process is quite simple.
- Download and print off a BOR286 form
- Fill out all the relevant information along with a quick explanation of why the charges are wrong (e.g. this item cost me £40, so the Import VAT should’ve been £10, yet you charged me £51).
- Include a copy of the EMS waybill (if applicable)
- Cut off/take a photo of and print out, the Charge Notice, and include.
- Include supporting evidence such as the invoice from your supplier, or a print-out of the eBay/Amazon/PayPal transaction.
- Stick on a 2nd Class stamp and post to either;
- Border Force, Coventry International Hub, Siskin Parkway West, Coventry, CV3 4HX
- A few weeks later you should receive a cheque in the post.
For courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL, TNT) imports
If you received via a courier such as FedEx, UPS, DHL or TNT, you need the C285 form instead.
- Fill out the C285 form online
- Include supporting evidence (such as Entry (C88/E2), Invoice, or the waybill).
- Advise HMRC on the amount to be reimbursed
- Print out and send to