The threshold on gifts was reduced from 1st Jan 2013. Dont like it? Speak to your MP - Dont blame Royal Mail. No, they dont. They pay the duties and taxes in a different way then regular consumers. (Some parcels from amazon store holders, internationally, may still get charged the normal way). Dont be fooled, there is (sadly) no magical route to avoid tax.

Where this is the error of parcelforce, (as the driver applied the wrong labels) they wont be able to do anything to the packages until p2g expressly advise them to. They cant take action when you advise them, you are a third party in the eyes of the carrier - so you need to be beating down the doors of parcel2go.

The Royal Mail Network is just not set up for larger items nor is it set up to handle the express import items in such a way as the UPU (Universal Posta Union) requests. I think its a bit rich to consider this some kind of conspiracy. Up until 1990 the parcels arm of Royal Mail was integrated wholly - it became more financially viable (in terms of regulation) to separate. I doubt the clearance fee was designed for the sole purpose of "plugging the pension fund". There is zero evidence to support this claim. But lets keep this thread on topic to avoid your obvious destain for royal mail infecting the thread.

Mail may be zero rated, but Parcels through DHL/UPS/Parcelforce are not. When you book a holiday, do they tell you that your bag might be pulled for a random inspection by Customs on your return? No.. the same applies here. DHL should advise customers there may be duties and taxes to pay on the other end though..

Can i also request a template letter to not going to jail for refusing to pay for my goods at the supermarket until after I have eaten them? Seriously - this is a legal charge. If you dont like it, dont import.

If refunded in full, sent PF the letter to the claims address, they refund you it. UKBA just want the money for the VAT / Duty. They care not to deal with customers directly. The provision of facilities to store and house the UKBA have to be paid for. Also, payment facilities online/telephone again are costs met by the carrier. Blame not DHL/UPS/Parcelforce because the fee which you complain about is a result of the UKBA wanting as little to manage as possible. I highly doubt the UKBA would do all this for free.. Its obvious why. The buyer returned the parcel on a new consignment. UKBA would have had zero idea this was your item and would have assumed it was an import. The buyer should write on the parcel that the item is a return, and was originally exported on consignment ref XXX. Regardless, you may have some recourse with the UKBA if you can prove this - so you can get these costs back. (Edit - ah you already have - nice one) Read above why.. The reason the postage costs are taken into account are because its VAT that would be paid if the item was sent in this country. If you dont like this, complain about the tax system...not the carriers. And again, its not ransom...they are collecting the fees in the most cost effective method, which ultimately benefits you. There are ways to pay the charges "automatically" as i have advised to you. Its part and parcel of being an importer, you gotta learn to deal with it.

Can you explain what you mean by this? Isnt it a set fee? Besides - the UKBA will always assess your import in £'s - so of course the correct exchange rate at that time will be made THE CARRIER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEVYING OF VAT. This slapped on the item by the UKBA. The carrier has no jurisdiction to turn around and then tell the UKBA how to assess the item. The dispute on any import VAT must be made directly to the UKBA. If importing via a postal network (Royal Mail / Parcelforce ) google "UKBA BOR286" - this form should sort things for you. If you dont like the way the UKBA are handling things then you need to complain to your MP, Tax Office , Santa Clause - because the carrier's are not responsible for this. Your confusing being VAT registered with a deferment account. Google it. It might save you this issue.

Well, the top and the bottom of it is that they can. I know parcelforce allow you to set up an account to pay the charges without the delay you mention - but imagine the cost to the service overall when many people simply refuse to pay the charges after the item has been delivered. The retaining of the parcel guarentees that cant happen. There are always people looking for a quick [problem]. Take it up with the carrier perhaps and see what they say?

Then pay the owed duty...simple. If not, dont get the item. Of Course they can refuse to deliver.

Perhaps, but you're not the customer of the courier, but P2G. P2G have their own terms and conditions beyond that the of carrier. When things go OK, you dont notice so much - like @alane, dealing wih P2G when things go wrong is a nightmare.

Parcels2go are simply re-sellers of services. Dont use them, go direct to the courier. End of.

Your more then likely going to need to re-submit your claim form. Consider writing a covering letter indicating to them you have sent this in before and have the special delivery tracking number of the letter to prove so, then i doubt you can be penalised for not submitting the claim in time. Of course, send this recorded/special delivery incase it happens again.

I know about these items from when I had mine delivered. The agreement is that if your not home the item can be delivered to a neighbour or left in a "secure location" (i.e in a wendy house / sandpit / whatever) however they're supposed to note this on a card which I assume you didn't receive. In any case, this didn't happen as delivery to the woman getting out of the car is neither. Go back to the depot and state this because whoever told you this is way off. Definitely get in touch with BT though as if the item cannot be located they will have to claim.

Seconding the above which both are spot on, however even if you were the sender I believe you will find some clause in the terms and conditions of carriage protecting them for any claims for consequential loss's as a result of delay.