Refund of VAT and Customs Charges for Items Returned to U.K. Retailer

Selbeep1

I returned several items of clothing from an order I had placed with a U.K. retailer and I want to claim a refund of the VAT and customs charges paid for the items that I returned.

The Revenue website states:-

“How to claim a refund of Customs Duty and Value-Added Tax (VAT)

In certain circumstances, it may be possible to receive a refund of customs duties paid, provided the goods you bought have been returned to the seller.

Note

You cannot claim a refund until after payment of the customs charges.

Parcels delivered by An Post

If your goods were delivered by An Post, you must contact An Post directly. The contact details should be included in any correspondence received in connection with your delivery.”

However, An Post website states:-

“I want to return a non-EU item to sender. How do I do this?

Returns can be sent using Click & Post or at your local Post Office. The Customs related electronic data and labelling (where required) should indicate that the item is a return. We recommend you retain your receipt of posting. Please note, An Post do not process any refunds of VAT or Customs Charges if you are returning goods after the item has been delivered.

An Post website goes on to state:-

“4.  Queries / Refunds

An Post will be the point of contact for Customs Charges up until the moment the postal item(s) has been released to you. 

……. If you are seeking a refund as a result of a return of goods received in a postal item or because you object to an assessment of the Customs Debt, please contact the Retailer from whom you purchased the item(s) from.”

The whole process seems very confusing. Revenue state that if a parcel was delivered by An Post, to contact them for a refund. However, An Post’s website state that if you are seeking a refund as a result of a return of goods, to contact the retailer from whom you purchased the items.

However, I paid the VAT and customs charges to An Post so I would have assumed that I would apply to them for a refund.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I wouldn’t be bothering to look for a refund but the charges were quite substantial.

Thank you.

WildCardDoW

You've got to contact An Post.

Their website says they don't refund but you've got to talk to them to be sure, although I'd assume their website is accurate

After that point talk to Revenue once you have the full answer from An Post.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/individuals/buying-online-personal/claim-refund.aspx

I've had An Post refund me for innacurate customs charges but that's all.