jwolthuis - 2:09 pm on Sep 4, 2010 (gmt 0)

ParcelForce (who delivers USPS packages there) charged them a small "handling fee" on top of the customs fee

I'm in the US, and ship quite a bit via USPS/ Parcelforce. My understanding is that there are three fees:

- UK VAT (17.5%, imposed by HM Customs)
- Import Duty (typically a couple of percent depending on the item, imposed by HM Customs)
- Customs Clearance Fee (£8, charged by Parcelforce for opening-and-resealing the package for Customs inspection, and for pre-paying the HM Customs fees).

These fees are added up, and a postcard is mailed to the recipient with the total due. They can log-in at Parcelforce's website, and pay the fee with a credit card. Once the fees are paid, the package is dropped off.