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I've just received a vid from Excalibur (US) through the post. There's no sign that the package has been opened, but there's a big label on the front saying 'CHARGE: UK CUSTOMS CHARGES', and an itemised bill for ?4.53. It says, 'This package cannot be delivered until the Customs and other charges shown are paid'.

BUT - I haven't paid, and the postman just stuck it through the door without knocking.

So does anyone know what I am supposed to do? Will I get a bill through the post? Am I supposed to send Customs a cheque (the label doesn't say so)? Or should I just sit tight??

Obviously I would prefer to sit tight, but I will probably want to order things fro the US in future, and I don't want to make life difficult with Customs. Grateful for advice!!

A similar thing happened to a friend of mine a while back (over a year ago I think) ie he wasn't at home when it was delivered.

He never paid the charge, and has never been pursued for it! It was music CDs in this case.

Try the Customs and Excise website at:



you should find this both unhelpful and uninformative!

Don't worry about it.
The postie should have taken any money due when he brought the package. Failing that he should have left a card telling you to pick it up at the local sorting office and pay any money due.

Agree with Mike C.Items for custom charge come through Royal Mail,so it looks like your vid has escaped the net, dont worry about it.I might be more worried that they wanted to charge you so much.How much was the vid?

The vid cost $28 (excl. p&p).

The charges itemised on the Customs label were ?3.33 VAT and ?1.20 Post Office clearance fee. There was no charge for Import Duty or Excise Duty. I don't understand why they would charge VAT but not Import Duty.

I have had about 12 vids by mail order from the US this year, and this is the first one to be charged. Coincidentally (or maybe not!) it is the first time I didn't ask Excalibur to use a 'discreet' box cover, but Customs wouldn't know this without opening the package, and there is no indication that they did.