International Duty & Taxes - Parcel Import Charges
Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can examine any item that comes into Canada by mail.
You may have to pay duty, the goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST), and provincial sales tax (PST) on items mailed to you. This depends on:
- the item's value in Canadian dollars
- whether or not it is a gift
Value in Canadian dollars
If someone mails you an item worth $20 CAN or less, you don't have to pay duty or tax on the item.
If the item is worth more than $20 CAN, you must pay the applicable duty, the GST or HST, and any PST on the item's full value.
Items that qualify as a "gift"
For an item to qualify as a "gift", another person must send it to you personally and must include a card or other notice indicating that it's a gift.
If you receive an imported gift by mail and it's worth $60 CAN or less, you don't have to pay duty or tax.
If the gift is worth more than $60, you must pay duty and tax on the amount over $60 CAN.
For example, if a relative sends you a gift worth $200 CAN, you must pay the applicable duty, the GST or HST, and any PST on $140 CAN.
Please note: The $60 CAN gift exemption does not apply to items sent by a business, company, or association.
As well, the $60 CAN exemption that's available on gifts cannot be combined with the $20 CAN exemption that's available on all items.
UK
For more information on VAT, import duties and taxes go to the UK Customs - A guide for international post users
Introduction
Importing into the UK is usually straightforward, but there may be times when it becomes more complicated given the contents of the packages, or the reasons for import. We suggest that you contact HMCE for detailed information on import Customs procedures and charges.
When a parcel is received from overseas, the postal service will pay any Customs duties and taxes on your behalf to HMCE. However, you will be required to re-pay this, together with any Customs clearance fee, before the parcel can be delivered.
Import value thresholds
For goods moving within the EU, import duties and taxes do not usually apply. However, for goods imported from non-EU countries, Customs charges do apply, these may include import duty, excise duty and import VAT. Goods with a value exceeding £18 (for commercial items including internet/mail order purchases), or £36 in the case of gifts between private individuals, are generally subject to Customs charges. Normally charges are calculated upon the declared value (plus shipping costs for commercial items). Further general information can be obtained by contacting HMCE.
Queries about specific import parcel duties / taxes
If you have a specific query about the duties / taxes for an imported parcel through Parcelforce Worldwide, then contact the Customs team on 02476 212860.
Please quote the charge number and date from the Customs Charge Label (OE94) and retain outer wrappings and all documents, as they may be required to resolve your enquiry. Note also that this charge label is your proof of import for VAT purposes.
Queries about the Parcelforce Worldwide clearance fee
Parcelforce Worldwide charges a Customs clearance fee which helps cover the costs of additional handling, administration, collection of monies and provision of facilities for Customs clearance of packages. They have two levels of clearance fee for import parcels; a higher fee is for express parcels imported through the Express Mail Services ( EMS ) or General Logistics Systems (GLS) networks and for all parcels valued at over £600, the lower fee is for all other imported parcels. For current charges, please see the Parcelforce Worldwide website www.parcelforce.com. Please note that all charges and thresholds are liable to change.
Storage awaiting Customs clearance
We would recommend that you respond promptly to any Customs queries to avoid storage charges; A fee will not be levied for the first 10 days. After 10 days however, storage fees will be charged, please see the Parcelforce Worldwide price guide. All parcels valued at over £600 are placed in secure storage until completion of Customs formalities.
