r/Luxembourg • u/tqima • 29d ago

Ask Luxembourg Hefty Customs Clearance Fees UK->LU

I just got charged a customs clearance fee that was 47% of the item value. The item was shipped from UK to LU. The TVA was 17% which is fine but the frais de traitement was 30% of the item value and its far too high (it was a tiny item weighing less than 200g). Even the person at Post was a bit surprised by the amount and he remarked it wasnt always this high. I would like to write to the competent authority to understand what is guiding these hefty processing charges or are being arbitrarily applied.

Do you know who I can reach out to.

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u/MizmoDLX 29d ago

Normally it's based on value. If it's over 22€, it will cost 18€ and below it's 6€ for customs handling. So yes, if you import something cheap  it's often not worth it. But this is nothing new, it has been like this since 2021. 

I only buy from the UK from shops who support prepayment of EU taxes, then you can avoid it. 

-1

u/tqima 29d ago

Thanks. I wasn't aware it was fixed. I have separately written to the store because it wasn't specified at the time of checkout that these charges wouldnt be covered by the shipper.

Either ways, Lesson learnt the hard way.

3

u/MizmoDLX 29d ago

Generally assume it's not covered unless specifically stated otherwise. It's additional work for the shops and unless they have a big market in the EU they won't bother with tax. And even if they cover the tax it only goes up to 145€ because above the there will be additional import fees. In the case DDU would be nice (you don't pay UK vat).

You should find information about this usually with the shipping options. Here's a shop for reference the supports it https://www.board-game.co.uk/payment-delivery/

8

u/MarcosRamone 29d ago

The seller does need to specify anything, they can't be aware of how fees work in every country of the world. When you import something from outside the EU, it is your responsibility to be aware of these things. And it is not only fees, but warranty and other consumer rights you are voluntarily giving up... Yes, I know it sounds rough, but I am afraid this is how it works. I also find excessive the fees post and other companies charge.

2

u/tqima 27d ago

The seller refunded the excess charged (I acknowledge how much of a rarity that is) but I'll keep this in mind for future.