Thanks everyone for your responses to this, it seems that my only option is to wait & see if the package is returned to Japan. Then try & negotiate with the sender to have it shipped back again. Crazy. I can understand that Parcelforce don't want to get involved if customers dispute the amount of VAT, etc charges. But if the error lies in the fact that there shouldn't have been any charges in the first place, and the customer can prove it, why not allow them some means to do this? Simples. The address labels used by the sender are CN23 triplicate ones for goods, the value is typed in and the contents are used clothing. I just get angry that because of someone's mistake & their failure to even want to hear about, let alone acknowledge it, the customer has all the flack. (sorry,rant over) If I ever do receive my package, I will post here to let you all know. Thanks again.

Hi, I've got a problem with the delivery for an eBay item I purchased from Japan, and hope someone can provide some helpful advice. I received a letter from Parcelforce saying the package was subject to Import VAT of £14.08 plus a Clearance Fee of £13.50. My problem is that these charges are wrong, not incorrect, but wrong. The sender uses a tracked mailing service, and the address label on their packages ( I have bought similar items from them before) shows the value of the contents. My guess is that someone has misread the value, which is typed not handwritten, hence the request for import fees. I went to the Parcelforce depot with copies of the payment receipts, Paypal etc but they wouldn't even let me look at the package unless I paid the money. The value of the item is $10.00 including postage, so well under the limit allowed. I suggested they open the package to see the receipt to prove my point, but they refused and said if I didn't pay the item would be returned to sender. Provided the sender pays to have it returned, otherwise the item will be 'disposed of'. Yes, I am aware that I can pay the fees and then try and reclaim them from HMRC or whoever, but surely this is unfair, and assumes I've got £27.58 spare to pay out. Things would be a lot easier if I didn't care about receiving my purchase, but I'd like to have what I paid for as its unique. I've contacted the sender, on the off chance the package does go back to Japan, but I got the strong impression the item will just be dumped by Parcelforce. The sender is willing to re-ship, but that'll be another story. I can't be the only one this has happened to - has anybody got around this problem please?