Customs and duty?

UK Customs Duty / VAT payable when?

• What happens if I receive an item send by person in America using this service: USPS (United States Postal Service), it arrives in the UK and it ‘clears customs?’ Does this mean that no duty is due (possibly because it lies below the threshold) or does this mean that I’ll receive my item and get invoiced for duty and VAT at a later date. I have always used delivery companies such as UPS and DHL which pay your duty and VAT and send you an invoice to reimburse them 60 days later. Does the same happen with USPS? Somehow I doubt it as I believe they hand over the consignment to the Royal Mail when in the UK, so they would need me to pay duty beforehand. All sensible answers welcomed! :) Thanks.

• Answer:

  Nope,you don't have to pay anything. If you did have to pay any customs VAT,you wouldn't recieve your parcel/package until you'd paid it. And if you do have to pay anything,you'd get a note off the post man saying they have mail for you,but you need to go to the local post office and pay before they hand over your item. So,if you've got your mail,then you don't have to pay anything! x