Import Duties on purchase from Japan

[2daveor]

Hi, i've been an ebay member 20+ years and never had this before. I purchased an item on ebay.co.uk not realising it was from Japan, the item was delivered and a day after delivery i receive a text from fedex asking me to pay import duites and fees £54.02, this is on an item costing £189.83 with free delivery. I did not expect this at all and if the seller had said there will be import duties due i would have checked what they might be before buying. What are my realistic options apart from paying, i have the item and the seller does accept returns paid for by the seller. If i return the item via ebay how would i get fedex and HMRC to accept this?

Thanks for any help.

[**peaseblossom** · Accepted solution]

See: "If you’re charged too much or return your goods" on here:

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

[sml192]

It is your responsibility as a buyer to be aware of any potential import charges.  It isn't really down to the seller to make you aware. 

Was the item actually listed as being located in Japan? 

If you return the item then you will be able to claim a refund of the import duties from HMRC, but not FedEx's fees.  Unfortunately, you will need to pay the charges to FedEx first. 

[fargvs]

FFI --- Be aware that any purchases from outside the UK are subject to additional UK Import VAT @20% and any other Customs Duty and Shipping charges based on £s limits >

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/paying-items/paying-tax-ebay-purchases?id=4771&st=2&pos=2&query=P...

[style_wise]

I wish I'd had @**peaseblossom**  in my corner the first time this happened to me!

BTW it is the Buyer's job to know the import laws and duties for their country, not the Seller's. Thank goodness - can you imagine!

[2daveor]

Thanks for the info, I know what to do now, thanks.