Top 5 Mistakes That Lead to Extra Customs Fees on Aliexpress Orders

Top 5 Mistakes That Lead to Extra Customs Fees on AliExpress Orders for UK Shoppers

Shopping on AliExpress can be a fantastic way for UK residents to access a huge variety of products at competitive prices. However, many buyers are caught off guard by unexpected customs fees and additional charges when their parcels arrive in the UK. With Brexit and changing import regulations, understanding how customs work has become even more crucial for anyone ordering from overseas. Knowing the most common mistakes that lead to extra fees can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your shopping experience smooth and affordable.

For UK shoppers, concerns about VAT, customs duties, and handling charges are more relevant than ever. AliExpress orders may be subject to extra fees if certain steps are overlooked during the purchase process. Issues such as incorrect declarations, undervalued packages, and misunderstanding the new rules can result in delays and unexpected costs. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can make smarter choices, save money, and enjoy a hassle-free experience when shopping on AliExpress from the UK.

Wondering how to dodge those pesky extra customs charges and keep more pounds in your pocket? Start smart—check out this month’s hand-picked AliExpress discounts for UK shoppers before your next order lands.

Top 5 Mistakes That Lead to Extra Customs Fees on AliExpress Orders for UK Buyers

1. Not Understanding How UK Customs Fees Work on AliExpress

Why am I being charged customs fees? Many UK buyers are surprised to find extra charges when their AliExpress order arrives. This is often due to a lack of understanding about how customs, VAT, and import duties are applied to goods purchased from outside the UK.

• Customs duties are government taxes on goods imported from outside the UK, including China, where most AliExpress sellers are based.
• VAT (Value Added Tax) is now collected on most online orders entering the UK, regardless of the order value.
• Some orders may also attract additional handling fees from couriers like Royal Mail, Parcelforce, or DHL.

Why are there custom fees? These fees exist to ensure fair competition for UK businesses and to generate government revenue. Since Brexit, all goods imported from outside the UK (including the EU) are subject to these charges.

AliExpress VAT is now collected at the point of sale for orders under £135, but for items above this threshold, VAT and import duties are paid upon arrival in the UK, often leading to unexpected costs for buyers who are unaware of these rules.

AliExpress Price Shown Before Tax

Many buyers notice that the AliExpress price shown before tax is lower than the final amount paid. For UK shoppers, AliExpress collects VAT at checkout for orders under £135, but this is not always clearly displayed until the final payment step. For orders over £135, VAT and duty are not collected by AliExpress, and you will be charged by UK customs or your courier.

2. Failing to Check If AliExpress Collects VAT or Sales Tax at Checkout

Does AliExpress collect sales tax? Yes, but only under specific conditions. Since July 2021, AliExpress is required to collect UK VAT at checkout for orders under £135. For orders above £135, VAT and import duty are not collected on the platform; instead, you pay these when the parcel arrives in the UK.

• If your order is £135 or less (excluding shipping and insurance), AliExpress should automatically charge you VAT at checkout.
• If your order is over £135, you are responsible for paying VAT and customs duties when the package reaches UK customs. Your courier will usually contact you for payment before delivery.

AliExpress tax free is a common misconception. Unless you’re importing to a VAT-exempt address (such as certain UK territories), you will be charged VAT or customs duty on your AliExpress orders.

AliExpress UK Reddit Advice

On Aliexpress UK Reddit threads, many users discuss being caught out by these rules—especially when ordering multiple items that are shipped together. Always check whether VAT is included in your AliExpress checkout total.

3. Splitting Orders Incorrectly or Combining Shipments

Many UK buyers try to avoid customs charges by splitting large orders into several smaller ones. However, this can backfire if:

• Multiple parcels from the same seller arrive at UK customs at the same time and are treated as a single shipment, pushing the total value above the £135 threshold.
• Sellers combine several orders into one package, which can result in unexpected customs fees and VAT being charged on the total value.

AliExpress US customs and Ca customs AliExpress searches highlight that customs rules vary by country, but in the UK, customs authorities can aggregate packages if they believe they are part of a single order.

How Can I Avoid Customs Charges?

To minimise the risk of extra fees:

• Place separate orders on different days, if possible.
• Communicate with sellers to ensure each order is shipped separately and labelled with its own invoice.
• Keep each order’s value below £135 if you want AliExpress to collect VAT at checkout.

Reddit AliExpress customs discussions often warn against trying to game the system, as customs authorities are vigilant and have the right to reassess shipments.

4. Providing Incomplete or Incorrect Shipping Information

What to do if an AliExpress order is stuck in customs? One of the main reasons parcels are delayed or incur extra fees is due to incomplete or inaccurate shipping details. If your order is missing an invoice, has a vague description, or the declared value seems suspiciously low, UK customs may hold your parcel for inspection.

• Always provide your full name, correct address, and contact number at checkout.
• Ask the seller to declare the correct value and provide a detailed description of the contents.
• If your parcel is held, customs or the courier will contact you for additional information or payment.

How to challenge customs charges? If you believe the fees are incorrect or excessive, you can:

1. Request a detailed breakdown from your courier or HMRC.
2. Provide evidence of the actual value (such as your AliExpress invoice or payment confirmation).
3. Appeal the charges directly with HMRC, following their official process.

Can I refuse to pay import duty? You can refuse to pay, but your parcel will not be delivered and may be returned to the sender or destroyed. In most cases, it’s easier to pay the fees or try to challenge them if you believe there’s been a mistake.

5. Ignoring AliExpress Buyer Protection and Return Policies

AliExpress buyer protection covers you if your item is not delivered or differs significantly from the description. However, it does not cover customs fees, VAT, or import duties. If you refuse to pay these charges and the parcel is returned, you may not be eligible for a full refund.

• Always check the seller’s return policy regarding customs-related returns.
• If your parcel is returned due to unpaid fees, you may only get a partial refund (minus shipping and handling costs).
• Open a dispute on AliExpress if you believe the seller misrepresented the value or failed to declare the correct information, resulting in excessive fees.

AliExpress Tax Free: Myth or Reality?

AliExpress tax free is not a reality for UK buyers. All goods imported from outside the UK are subject to VAT and, where applicable, customs duties. Some sellers may advertise “tax-free shipping,” but this usually means they are using a shipping method where they pay the import fees up front. Always check the shipping terms carefully.

Additional Tips to Avoid Extra Customs Fees on AliExpress

• Check the total value of your order, including shipping and insurance, as customs calculate fees on the full amount.
• Read seller reviews and look for feedback from other UK buyers about customs experiences.
• Use AliExpress UK Reddit and Reddit AliExpress customs threads for up-to-date advice and real-world experiences.
• If possible, buy from AliExpress sellers with UK or EU warehouses to avoid international customs fees altogether.

Common Questions About AliExpress Customs Fees for UK Buyers

Why am I being charged customs fees?

Customs fees are charged to cover VAT and import duty on goods entering the UK. Since Brexit, all non-UK parcels are subject to these charges, regardless of value.

How can I avoid customs charges?

You can minimise the risk by:

• Keeping your order value under £135 so VAT is collected at checkout.
• Ordering from UK or EU-based sellers on AliExpress.
• Ensuring accurate information is provided to customs to avoid suspicion and inspection.

What to do if an AliExpress order is stuck in customs?

• Contact your courier for details and pay any outstanding fees promptly.
• Provide any additional documentation requested by customs.
• If you believe the fees are incorrect, challenge them with evidence of your order value.

How to challenge customs charges?

• Request a breakdown from your courier or HMRC.
• Submit evidence such as invoices or payment screenshots.
• Follow HMRC’s official appeals process if you think you have been overcharged.

Can I refuse to pay import duty?

You can refuse, but your parcel will not be delivered and may be returned or destroyed. You may not receive a full refund from AliExpress.

Does AliExpress collect sales tax?

AliExpress collects VAT at checkout for UK orders under £135. For orders above £135, VAT and duty are paid on arrival in the UK.

AliExpress Price Shown Before Tax

The price displayed on AliExpress may not include VAT until you reach the checkout stage. Always review your final total before payment.

AliExpress Tax Free

There is no genuine “tax free” option for UK buyers on AliExpress. All imports are subject to VAT and possible customs duties, unless shipped from within the UK or EU.

AliExpress US Customs, Ca Customs AliExpress

Customs rules differ by country. For UK buyers, follow UK-specific advice, as outlined above.

Reddit AliExpress Customs, AliExpress UK Reddit

These forums are invaluable for up-to-date, real-world advice on avoiding extra fees, dealing with stuck parcels, and sharing experiences with UK customs.

VAT AliExpress

Since July 2021, VAT is collected at checkout for orders under £135. For higher-value orders, you must pay VAT and duty when your parcel arrives in the UK.

Summary of the Top 5 Mistakes

1. Not understanding UK customs rules and how VAT/duties are applied to AliExpress orders.
2. Failing to check if VAT is collected at checkout, leading to unexpected charges on arrival.
3. Splitting or combining orders incorrectly, resulting in parcels being reassessed and charged extra fees.
4. Providing incomplete shipping information, causing delays and extra scrutiny from customs.
5. Ignoring AliExpress buyer protection and return policies relating to customs fees and returns.

By understanding these common mistakes and following the tips above, UK buyers can reduce the risk of surprise customs fees on their AliExpress orders.

FAQ: Top 5 Mistakes That Lead to Extra Customs Fees on AliExpress Orders (UK Shoppers)

1. What are the most common mistakes that cause extra customs fees on AliExpress orders?

Many UK shoppers end up paying unexpected customs fees due to avoidable mistakes. The top errors include underestimating the value of goods, ignoring VAT and duty thresholds, providing incomplete shipping information, choosing sellers who misdeclare items, and not checking if the item is restricted or requires special handling. Each of these can trigger additional charges or delays at UK customs.

2. How does under-declaring item value lead to extra charges?

If a seller marks your parcel with a false or lower value to reduce import taxes, UK customs may investigate and reassess the real value. This often results in not only paying the correct VAT and duties, but also facing administrative fees for the inspection. Always ensure the seller declares the correct value to avoid these penalties.

3. Why is it important to understand VAT and duty thresholds?

The UK has specific VAT and customs duty thresholds for imported goods. Items valued over £135 are subject to VAT, and goods above £135 may also incur customs duties. Failing to check these thresholds can result in surprise charges upon delivery. For more details, visit the official UK government guide.

4. Can incomplete or inaccurate shipping information cause extra fees?

Yes, providing incomplete or incorrect shipping details can delay your parcel at customs, leading to storage fees or return-to-sender costs. Always double-check your address and contact information before confirming your AliExpress order to ensure smooth customs clearance.

5. How do misdeclared items affect customs charges?

If a seller misdeclares the type or category of your item (e.g., marking electronics as ‘gifts’), customs may reclassify it and charge higher duties or penalties. This is a common issue with some AliExpress sellers. Always communicate with your seller to ensure accurate product descriptions and declarations.

6. What happens if I order restricted or special-handling items?

Ordering restricted goods (such as certain electronics, cosmetics, or food items) can result in confiscation, additional documentation requirements, or extra fees. Check the UK’s list of restricted imports before purchasing. For community advice, see this HMRC forum discussion.

7. Are there ways to avoid these common customs mistakes when shopping on AliExpress?

To minimise the risk of extra customs fees, always check the declared value and product category with your seller, understand the UK’s import thresholds, and ensure your shipping details are accurate. Research whether your item is restricted and be wary of sellers offering to undervalue parcels, as this can backfire.

8. Who is responsible for paying customs fees and how are they collected?

In the UK, the buyer is responsible for paying any customs duties, VAT, and handling fees. These are usually collected by the courier (e.g., Royal Mail, Parcelforce) before delivery. If fees are not paid, your parcel may be returned to the sender or destroyed, so always budget for possible charges when ordering from AliExpress.

About The Author