Never being asked for invoice does not mean never been taxed
I'm discussing about the
correct amount of Vat that is required to be paid
UK border force have questioned marked value often on parcels before 2021 so the correct amount of Vat is received
It's up to customer then to provide proof of amount they paid for goods if they think the vat amount they been asked to pay is wrong
HMRC have asked person listed on delivery address to provide a copy of retailer transaction or PayPal receipt so the correct Vat amount is charged as in
when customers query border force about vat amount requested to be paid
This does happen
If you think the customs charges are wrong, you should contact Border Force directly as they decide the Vat amount
Border Force can ignore low value marked amount on a parcel and decide an a higher value this does happen but less often with blu-ray discs
They use various methods to look up prices for goods been imported into UK
The marking low value is to avoid paying the correct Vat amount which is illegal
The purpose of the new rules on imports is to stop this completely or at least reduce it from happening
Retailers based outside UK/EU and shipping to a UK/EU delivery address with goods value £135/€150 or less they are meant to apply for a Vat ID in UK/EU and apply vat at checkout (as in collected directly at the point of sale)
Those retailers based outside UK/EU that don't register for UK or EU vat ID or don't use the OSS/IOSS new system of applying vat at checkout will get more attention from customs soon in UK and EU
This has already started to happen in EU and will soon in UK
Especially those they suspect at marking low value on custom label and not registered for the new vat system of collecting vat
At the moment it's just luck if you avoid correct vat amount been asked to pay that will change
For items sent through the post, Royal Mail pay HMRC any import VAT and Customs Duty on your behalf. This ensures you receive your item as quickly as possible.
That vat amount is decided by border force not Royal Mail
Royal Mail then send you a Fee to pay card. This shows how much you need to pay before you can receive your item. The amount will include our £8 handling fee.
Border Force will eventually have more time to concentrate on parcels imported into UK that not had vat payment done at checkout with a retailer based outside UK
The purpose of retailer based outside UK applying vat at checkout reduces customs workload on checking of parcels and gives customs more time to go after parcels not had vat paid and be checking on marked values