£135 Shopping Rule That Could See Royal Mail Customers Charged Extra Fee
Royal Mail customers should be aware of the regulations to avoid being hit with a fee under a £135 rule. Royal Mail says some goods imported into the UK “may be subject to VAT and customs duties”. While letters, postcards and documents are typically exempt, these charges could become more common in the run-up to Christmas - for example, if you order a present from overseas or receive a gift from friends or family living outside the UK.
TL;DR
- UK customers may face fees on imported goods under a £135 rule.
- VAT and customs duties may apply to goods and gifts from outside the UK, with different thresholds for general items and gifts.
- Royal Mail collects these charges, plus an £8 handling fee, on behalf of HMRC.
- Items are held until all charges are paid; non-payment within 21 days leads to return to sender.
- Letters, postcards, and documents are generally exempt from these charges.