Why Am I Charged Customs Twice on My Aliexpress Order in UK?

Why Am I Charged Customs Twice on My AliExpress Order in the UK?

Shopping on AliExpress has become increasingly popular among UK residents looking for affordable products and unique items from around the world. However, many shoppers are left puzzled and frustrated when they notice that they have been charged customs fees twice on a single order. This issue is particularly relevant for UK buyers, as changes in Brexit regulations and international shipping policies have introduced new complexities to the import process. Understanding why these double charges occur is essential to avoid unexpected costs and to make informed purchasing decisions.

For UK AliExpress users, the main concerns revolve around unexpected customs duties, confusing VAT charges, and the fear of being overcharged. With the rise in cross-border online shopping, it’s crucial to know how customs fees are calculated, when they should be paid, and what steps to take if you believe you have been charged incorrectly. This guide will help clarify the process, ensuring that you can shop confidently and avoid unnecessary expenses on your next AliExpress order.

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Why Am I Charged Customs Twice on My AliExpress Order in UK?

Understanding AliExpress Customs Charges for UK Buyers

When shopping on AliExpress UK, many buyers are surprised to see what appears to be double customs charges on their orders. This situation can be confusing, especially if you are new to importing goods from China or other countries outside the UK. To make things clear, let’s break down how customs, VAT, and import duties work for UK shoppers using AliExpress.

Does AliExpress Charge Customs to the UK?

AliExpress itself does not directly charge customs duties. Instead, they are required to collect UK VAT (Value Added Tax) at the point of sale for orders under £135. This means that when you check out, you may see a line item for VAT included in your total. For orders above £135, VAT and any applicable customs duties are collected by UK customs when the parcel enters the country.

• Orders under £135: VAT is collected by AliExpress at checkout.
• Orders over £135: VAT and customs duties are collected by UK Border Force or the delivery courier.

This system was introduced after Brexit to ensure that VAT is properly collected on all imports. However, this is where confusion and the issue of being charged customs twice can arise.

Do You Pay Customs from China to the UK?

Yes, UK buyers pay customs charges when importing goods from China. These charges typically include:

• Import VAT (usually 20% for most goods)
• Customs duties (if the item’s value exceeds £135 and depending on the type of goods)
• Handling or administration fees charged by the courier

It’s important to note that customs duties are only charged on goods over £135, while VAT applies to almost all imports.

Why Does AliExpress Charge Twice? Understanding Double Charges

Many UK shoppers report seeing VAT charged at checkout and then being asked to pay again when the parcel arrives. This happens mainly due to one of the following reasons:

1. AliExpress collects VAT at checkout, but the seller does not provide the correct paperwork or IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) number with the parcel. As a result, UK customs or the courier cannot verify that VAT was already paid and charge you again before delivery.
2. The value of your order is misdeclared or split into multiple parcels, causing confusion at customs and triggering additional charges.
3. Courier companies may add their own handling fees, which sometimes appear as a second customs charge.

If you are wondering, “Can you be charged VAT twice?”—the answer is, unfortunately, yes. This is a known issue when buying from overseas marketplaces like AliExpress, especially if sellers do not follow proper import procedures.

Paying VAT Twice on Imports: Why It Happens

Paying VAT twice on imports is a frustrating experience for UK buyers. Here’s why it can happen:

• IOSS Number Not Provided: For orders under £135, the seller must include the IOSS number on the parcel. If they don’t, UK customs cannot confirm VAT was paid, so you are charged again.
• Incorrect Declaration: If the seller under-declares or splits the value, customs may treat each parcel as a separate import, charging VAT and duties on both.
• Courier Handling Fees: Some couriers add their own fees for processing customs paperwork, which can look like an extra customs charge.

This is why it’s essential to check with the seller that they are using the correct procedures and to keep all receipts and documentation from AliExpress.

How Much Do You Pay for Customs in UK?

The total amount you pay for customs when shopping on AliExpress UK depends on several factors:

• Value of the goods: Orders under £135 are subject to VAT only; orders over £135 may incur both VAT and customs duties.
• Type of product: Some goods have higher duty rates (e.g., clothing, electronics).
• Shipping method: Couriers may add handling fees.

Typical charges include:

• VAT: 20% of the item value (including shipping costs)
• Customs Duty: Varies by product, usually between 0% and 12%
• Courtier Handling Fee: £8-£15 (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DHL, etc.)

Always check the total cost at checkout and be prepared for possible extra charges on delivery.

Do You Pay VAT Twice When Buying from Europe?

Since Brexit, VAT on goods from EU to UK is handled similarly to goods from China. If you buy from a European seller on AliExpress or another platform, you may also face double VAT charges if the seller does not use the correct IOSS procedures. Always check if VAT is included at checkout and whether the seller is registered for IOSS.

How to Pay VAT on Imported Goods UK

There are two main ways to pay VAT on imported goods in the UK:

1. At point of sale: For orders under £135, VAT is collected by AliExpress and included in your total.
2. At import: For orders over £135, VAT is collected by UK customs or the courier before delivery. You will receive a notification and instructions on how to pay online or at your local post office.

Always keep your payment confirmation in case you need to claim a refund for double-charged VAT.

How to Get Tax Back from AliExpress?

If you have been charged VAT twice—once by AliExpress and again by UK customs—you may be entitled to a UK customs tax refund. Here’s how you can try to reclaim your money:

1. Contact AliExpress customer service with your order details and proof of double payment. AliExpress may refund the VAT they collected if you provide evidence.
2. Contact the courier or UK customs with your receipts. Sometimes, the courier can refund the VAT if you show you paid it at checkout.
3. Submit a claim to HMRC using form BOR286 if you believe you were wrongly charged import VAT or customs duty. You’ll need all documentation, including receipts and proof of payment.

Note: Refunds are not guaranteed and may take several weeks to process.

Can You Claim Customs Duty Back on VAT Return?

If you are a UK business registered for VAT, you may be able to reclaim import VAT on your VAT return. You cannot usually claim back customs duty, but import VAT can be recovered if you have the correct import documentation (such as a C79 certificate from HMRC).

• Private buyers: Cannot claim VAT back unless the charge was made in error.
• Businesses: Can reclaim import VAT on their VAT return, but not customs duty.

Always keep all paperwork and receipts to support your claim.

AliExpress Customs: How to Avoid Double Charges

To reduce the risk of paying customs or VAT twice on your AliExpress UK orders, follow these tips:

• Check if VAT is included at checkout for orders under £135. Look for a line item showing VAT.
• Ask the seller to use the correct IOSS number and include it on the parcel.
• Keep all receipts and order confirmations in case you need to claim a refund.
• Choose reputable sellers with good feedback and experience shipping to the UK.
• Be wary of splitting large orders into multiple shipments, as this can confuse customs and lead to extra charges.

AliExpress UK: Additional Tips for Buyers

• Track your parcel and check for customs notifications from your courier.
• Respond promptly to any requests for payment from Royal Mail, Parcelforce, or other couriers to avoid delays.
• Contact AliExpress support if you believe you have been wrongly charged customs or VAT twice.
• Read seller reviews to ensure they are familiar with UK import procedures.

Related Searches: AliExpress Customs, VAT, and UK Import Rules

When searching for answers, UK buyers often look for:

• AliExpress customs charges for UK orders
• Paying VAT twice on imports from China or Europe
• How to get tax back from AliExpress after double charges
• UK customs tax refund process and eligibility
• Can you claim customs duty back on VAT return as a business
• How to pay VAT on imported goods UK for personal and business buyers
• VAT on goods from EU to UK after Brexit

Understanding these topics helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures you only pay the correct amount for your AliExpress UK orders.

What to Do If You Are Charged Customs Twice

If you find yourself paying VAT or customs twice on an AliExpress order, here’s what you should do:

1. Gather all receipts and proof of payment from both AliExpress and the courier.
2. Contact the courier (Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DHL, etc.) first to explain the situation and request a refund if possible.
3. Contact AliExpress customer service with all documentation. They may refund the VAT if it was collected in error.
4. If necessary, submit a claim to HMRC using form BOR286 for a customs or VAT refund.

Be persistent and keep all correspondence. While the process can be slow, many buyers are able to recover at least part of the double-charged amount.

Key Points for UK Shoppers on AliExpress

• VAT is usually collected at checkout for orders under £135. For orders over £135, be prepared to pay customs duties and VAT on arrival.
• Double charging can occur if sellers do not provide correct paperwork or use the IOSS system.
• Always check your receipts and keep documentation in case you need to claim a refund.
• Business buyers can reclaim import VAT on their VAT return, but private buyers generally cannot.

By understanding how AliExpress customs and VAT work in the UK, you can shop more confidently and avoid unnecessary extra charges.

FAQ: Why Am I Charged Customs Twice on My AliExpress Order in the UK?

Why did I pay customs charges twice for my AliExpress order?

Many UK shoppers report being charged customs fees twice when ordering from AliExpress. This usually happens when VAT and import duties are collected both at checkout and again upon delivery. AliExpress typically collects UK VAT at the point of sale for orders under £135, but sometimes couriers or customs still request payment when the parcel arrives, leading to double charges.

How does UK VAT work for AliExpress orders?

For orders below £135, AliExpress is required by UK law to collect VAT (Value Added Tax) during checkout. This charge should cover all VAT obligations, and you should not be asked to pay it again when your parcel enters the UK. For orders over £135, VAT and any applicable customs duties are usually collected by UK customs or the courier before delivery. For more details, see the official UK government guidance on VAT on imports.

Why do some couriers still ask for customs payment on arrival?

Sometimes, couriers or customs clearance agents are not notified that VAT was already paid at the point of sale. This can happen if the parcel’s paperwork is incomplete, missing the correct IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) number, or if the parcel is not properly labelled. As a result, you may be asked to pay VAT or handling fees again before your order is delivered.

What is the IOSS number and why is it important?

The IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) number is a unique identifier that allows customs authorities to see that VAT has already been paid for orders under £135. If AliExpress or the seller fails to provide this number on the shipping label or customs declaration, UK customs may treat your parcel as if VAT is still due, resulting in a second charge.

How can I avoid being charged customs twice on future orders?

To reduce the risk of double customs charges:

• Ensure your order is under £135 if you want AliExpress to collect VAT at checkout.
• Check your order confirmation for a clear statement that VAT was collected.
• Contact the seller and ask them to include the IOSS number on the parcel paperwork.
• Keep your payment receipt to prove VAT was paid if asked by the courier.

If you are charged twice, you can often claim a refund from the courier or AliExpress by providing proof of VAT payment.

What should I do if I’ve already paid customs twice?

If you have been charged customs or VAT twice, contact the courier or customs agent who collected the second payment. Provide your AliExpress order invoice showing VAT was paid at checkout. You may be eligible for a refund. If the courier refuses, contact AliExpress customer service with all relevant documentation for further assistance.

Does this issue affect all online purchases from abroad?

This issue is most common with marketplace platforms like AliExpress, where sellers may not always follow correct customs procedures. However, similar problems can occur with other international sellers if VAT and customs rules are not followed. For more information, visit the UK government VAT imports guide.

Are handling fees the same as customs charges?

No, handling fees are additional charges levied by the courier for processing your parcel through customs. Even if you have paid VAT, you may still be charged a handling fee, which is separate from customs duties or VAT. Always check your invoice to understand what each charge covers.

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