I've never had anyone add VATR and haven't known that to be needed, but perhaps it is. I've never understood why it says "5% or 20%" for the correct original art code as it is always 5% regardless. But I guess there's no harm in adding the extra letters.


On a separate note, can someone help me with these questions please?

If I have something I received last year, I know I can still claim the extra VAT back on it. But, if I don't have the sticker they whacked on the parcel originally showing the customs charges, am I screwed?

Secondly, a piece I just received got charged at 20% and with excise duty, so I have a sizeable claim to make, but there are so many different documents attached to the parcel that it is confusing as hell as to which to include. It isn't helped that on the commercial invoice they wrote weird codes that are for the paint used rather than the original painting one (that they used on other docs). I am tending to think that I don't include that document as it might appear to undermine my case!?

Thanks for any help

Look at page three of this thread . 👍

urbanartassociation.com/thread/171316/ups-import-charges-uk?page=3

Thanks man, haven’t and won’t be paying it, I’ve emailed so will see what they say 👍

They're going to refer to a debt collector. I just had two bills come in through the mail, both at 20%, and this is months after I provided proof as to the contents and was told over the phone that I will only pay 5%.

They will claim that the sender did not properly or clearly declare the item. Then they'll tell you that they are just trying to recoup the costs they paid to HMRC as a result. They will threaten the use of a collection agency, you'll then need to pay, and then go through the trouble of making a claim with HMRC for a refund. 

I'd love to hear if you have an experience which is less of a hassle, but I doubt it'll happen.

I’ll keep you updated and see how I get on, more hassle I don’t need! 

not got the item yet but I’m guessing not looking at the charge, the invoice I have from the gallery states original so will have to see if they do deliver it.

As Geester quite rightly says, I'm pretty sure this will be down to how the seller has done the paperwork.

The Commercial Invoice the key here?

On here should be the correct Tariff/Commodity Code, description, value, and certain 'statements' etc. 

I think if this filled out correctly, DHL, or any other would be able to charge randomly like this.

Just a suggestion, but is it an idea to ask to see the Commercial Invoice before any item is shipped? You can then check all the details correct, and in the correct format?

 
That would be great, speak to somebody with some sense and not just a call centre!

Which is the point I was trying to make above Mooncub.

The onus very much on the seller, i.e. the gallery to complete things correctly.

I deal with international shipments at work (not art), and all boils down to the Commercial Invoice raised.

Very specific what you have to put on here, as mentioned, Tariff/Commodity Codes, values, contact details of receiver, and certain statements.

You should easily be able to check this before sending, if I was buying from abroad, I would definitely ask to see it before they upload to DHL/TNT etc, surely this would save a whole world of pain.

If this not done correctly, I can see why the carriers applying different import/export charges.

Hope you get sorted funnyfarmiom.

I had a VERY similar experience a few months back with a piece. However, on phoning them to highlight my surprise and utter disgust at having received a threatening letter about referring collection to a debt collecting agency they were very quick to back down once someone actually took the time to open up my case file. However, I did have the added benefit of an email chain in which they admitted fault as all paperwork clearly stated the correct import code and explicitly stated exactly what the contents was from the very outset. Hopefully you can reach a similar resolution but it’s totally unacceptable to receive such contradictory correspondence.

Shit that sounds like fun, who was the final department as that sounds like a good option! You would think they would have a finance/ invoicing department that could get it sorted quickly although they know the more difficult they make it the less people will try or just give up. It’s hard finding any contact details for DHL Express?

Thanks dude, appreciate it 😂😂

Here’s the email address 👍

ukinvoicequeries@dhl.com