DHL Statistical Value - Where does it come from?

Dr Pepper

I've recently ordered some electronic items from China. There were 3 items costing $8.50 each. Total goods value = $25.50. I also paid $30 for shipping. Total value I should pay VAT on: $55.50 (approx €40.32). I would expect to be paying a little under €10 VAT on that (at 23%).

Unfortunately, when the goods arrived at the door, I had to pay €20.62. I got a 'Duty/VAT Invoice' a couple of days later which said the "Statistical Value" was €87.93, VAT on that @ 23% is €20.22, plus a modest admin fee of €0.40 (total €20.62).

My question is this: What is the "statistical value" and how is it calculated? I emailed DHL with the same question 3 days ago but have not yet received an answer to that simple question (I have received a couple of mails to the effect that "we are looking into this" and "a ticket has been created" but I am not confident!).

To whom can I make a complaint about this? (Revenue, National Consumer Agency?). It's not the €20 that bothers me. It's that, as far as I know at present, the figure of €87.93 has been made up by DHL. I am also sceptical that they will even pass on any/all of that VAT to Revenue in Ireland but I have no basis for that other than a general (justified IMO) cynicism about these things.

Thanks!

DraganGTD

Same happened to me today. Bought goods for €80 and the statistical value from DHL is €142. Still no clue why is that.