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Iherb Food Items - VAT charges + €10 DHL charge over orders €22+

  • 30-06-2014 9:55am
    #1
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭


    I ordered a tub of vitamin C, some cayenne pepper capsules and garlic capsules last week. The order was approx $40.

    I got a DHL text just now saying I have a customs import taxes of €17.17 to pay.. (€10 of that is DHL paperwork charge) ( I called DHL and guy said - 'as now VAT is applicable to all food stuffs over €22!! )

    He said that there is a big crack down on iherb this week..

    I've been ordering stuff from IHERB for about 7 years and have never been billed like this before, I only order health supps/food.
    I've ordered stuff over €100 and had customs open it and examine it and never been charged!

    I'm absolutely flummoxed!

    I can't believe it!!!
    Is this bull or what?!


«1345

Comments

  • #2
    Dotcomdolly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,934 ✭✭✭Dotcomdolly


    Yeah I got caught too (€19.63) a couple of weeks ago & told they were cracking down.
    So that's just $29 incl shipping, *and* I heard that it's the rrp that goes on the package so the $1 specials will go down as their original price!
    I did a test order last week of 3 specials totalling $3.49 and used the cheap snail mail $4 postage, will wait & see. It's a pisser for me as I get a decent rewards income each month & now I can't spend it!


  • #3
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    Dotcomdolly wrote: »
    Yeah I got caught too (€19.63) a couple of weeks ago & told they were cracking down.
    So that's just $29 incl shipping, *and* I heard that it's the rrp that goes on the package so the $1 specials will go down as their original price!
    I did a test order last week of 3 specials totalling $3.49 and used the cheap snail mail $4 postage, will wait & see. It's a pisser for me as I get a decent rewards income each month & now I can't spend it!

    I'm gutted. It's ridiculous though... How can they change VAT policy without telling anyone/radiot/TV ads etc?! How the hell are we supposed to know that it has changed? Are we supposed to just check the revenue page every day?!


  • #4
    howamidifferent
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,819 ✭✭✭howamidifferent


    I got hit by DHL for €26.75 last week on an order from iHerb :(


  • #5
    Dotcomdolly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,934 ✭✭✭Dotcomdolly


    DHL are doing well out of it anyway aren't they!


  • #6
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    Ya, €10 feckin paperwork charge per order!!!!
    I'm following it up with revenue as I can't see how there would be tax on Vitamin c and herbs!!


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  • #7
    conzy
    Subscribers Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭conzy


    Yup.. I also got rode. €19.33 on a order that was ~$40 + shipping


  • #8
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    conzy wrote: »
    Yup.. I also got rode. €19.33 on a order that was ~$40 + shipping

    Were your products 'sports enhancing' supps?
    Or food based?


  • #9
    conzy
    Subscribers Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭conzy


    rustyzip wrote: »
    Were your products 'sports enhancing' supps?
    Or food based?

    It was quest bars, stevia and peanut butter. but there was an ON creatine too


  • #10
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    conzy wrote: »
    It was quest bars, stevia and peanut butter. but there was an ON creatine too

    what's an 'on'
    They treat creatine as sports enhancing.


  • #11
    Alf Veedersane
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,654 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    rustyzip wrote: »
    what's an 'on'.

    It's a brand: Optimum Nutrition.


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  • #12
    Essien
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,985 ✭✭✭Essien


    I just cancelled my order. Fcuk paying an extra 20 quid or so.


  • #13
    rubicon99
    Registered Users Posts: 187 ✭✭rubicon99


    Just got hit with €18.65 on a $51 order. 8.68 duty and €10 admin charge. ordered below.

    Krill Oil
    Nature's Way, Alive! Once Daily, Men's Ultra Potency Multi-Vitamin
    Healthy Origins, Alpha Lipoic Acid

    Ordered 3 times previously in the last 2 moths with around same value and no duty charges. Could it be Alpha Lipoic Acid?


  • #14
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    rubicon99 wrote: »
    Just got hit with €18.65 on a $51 order. 8.68 duty and €10 admin charge. ordered below.

    Krill Oil
    Nature's Way, Alive! Once Daily, Men's Ultra Potency Multi-Vitamin
    Healthy Origins, Alpha Lipoic Acid

    Ordered 3 times previously in the last 2 moths with around same value and no duty charges. Could it be Alpha Lipoic Acid?

    That's terrible. Absolute joke. Everyone should be following this up with revenue though... They can't just decide to change their tune over things like this!!!!


  • #15
    vigos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 646 ✭✭✭vigos


    Has anyone ordered using the Internation Airmail and get charged by customs? I've always used DHL in the past and never got charged before.


  • #16
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    rustyzip wrote: »
    I ordered a tub of vitamin C, some cayenne pepper capsules and garlic capsules last week. The order was approx $40.

    I got a DHL text just now saying I have a customs import taxes of €17.17 to pay.. (€10 of that is DHL paperwork charge) ( I called DHL and guy said - 'as now VAT is applicable to all food stuffs over €22!! )!
    Not sure if that is true, garlic capsules still show as zero VAT on the revenue site.

    http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/rates/decision-detail-03515.jsp

    it is in DHLs interest to lump it in with "supplements" some of which are liable, since if you are over the limit they get their handy admin fees.
    vigos wrote: »
    Has anyone ordered using the Internation Airmail and get charged by customs?
    This was advised by iherb themselves and in a recent thread in bargain alerts.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=91006652


  • #17
    Davei141
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,541 ✭✭✭Davei141


    What is an admin charge??


  • #18
    siblers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,595 ✭✭✭✭siblers


    Got a letter from DHL recently stating that I owe £50 in custom charges from previous orders. As i was using parcel motel up in Antrim, I think they can feck off for themselves.


  • #19
    t_dog
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭t_dog


    I got done for €17 today... No supplements or vitamins, just face cream, stridex, teas and lip balm.. Still scratching my head trying to figure it out. Was advised by the guy who I paid the charges to that everything coming in is being taxed...

    Anyone know if its DHL that can provide a breakdown/receipt for this??


  • #20
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    So does this mean that customs actually opened the box first and then went to customs?!


  • #21
    Davei141
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,541 ✭✭✭Davei141


    siblers wrote: »
    Got a letter from DHL recently stating that I owe £50 in custom charges from previous orders. As i was using parcel motel up in Antrim, I think they can feck off for themselves.

    WTF? Is this DHL that are acting the bollox or is it customs, as it seems DHL are getting a nice deal from this.


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  • #22
    runawaybishop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,510 ✭✭✭runawaybishop


    This is customs that are clamping down, nothing to do with DHL. You should just be thankful you got away with it for so long.


  • #23
    Duck's hoop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,530 ✭✭✭Duck's hoop


    runawaybishop wrote: »
    This is customs that are clamping down, nothing to do with DHL. You should just be thankful you got away with it for so long.

    Just a bit sanctimonious.

    People were 'getting away' with getting genuine value for money, as rare as rocking horse shít on this island.


  • #24
    runawaybishop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,510 ✭✭✭runawaybishop


    Duck's hoop wrote: »
    Just a bit sanctimonious.

    People were 'getting away' with getting genuine value for money, as rare as rocking horse shít on this island.

    No, you were getting away with not paying import fees. No point getting all riled up now because they are being enforced.


  • #25
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    runawaybishop wrote: »
    No, you were getting away with not paying import fees. No point getting all riled up now because they are being enforced.

    No - I am aware that there is VAT or whatever on sports enhancing supps or beauty items but I ordered health supplements/ food based.. which is marked on revenue as zero tax!


  • #26
    runawaybishop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,510 ✭✭✭runawaybishop


    rustyzip wrote: »
    No - I am aware that there is VAT or whatever on sports enhancing supps or beauty items but I ordered health supplements/ food based.. which is marked on revenue as zero tax!

    Then confirm with revenue that what you ordered shouldn't have any tax applied and contact DHL to inform them of same. They are grand to deal with but the front line staff can be a bit clueless, you may need to email them proof.


  • #27
    cletus van damme
    Closed Accounts Posts: 960 ✭✭✭cletus van damme


    Duck's hoop wrote: »
    Just a bit sanctimonious.

    People were 'getting away' with getting genuine value for money, as rare as rocking horse shít on this island.

    people mightnt agree with me - I'm against high tax on these items btw.

    But the current situation is driving irish providers to the wall - they cannot compete with places outside the ireland on price given the VAT situation - it's not to do with massive margins or anything. It's the taxation.

    So in principal I agree with the revenue's clampdown on imports to level the playing field so to speak.

    now before you rant at me - I'll repeat I'd rather the VAt was much lower but at present it screws irish operators if imports can function with impunity.


  • #28
    RoadSweeper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,513 ✭✭✭RoadSweeper


    Any EU, UK or Irish based alternatives to iHerb that are reasonable for the same or similar products?


  • #29
    dkhylan
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭dkhylan


    Had a long call with DHL, who proceeded to tell me that iHerb shipments have been flagged following a ping from Customs since June 10th so they will always gets flagged for customs moving forward.

    They said to take it up with Revenue if VAT had been applied incorrectly, since accordingly to this (can't post link) food supplements are VAT free:
    no-702011

    They gave me contact details for Revenue and a name however that person is not in the office at the moment so I could not get any decent answers, the chap that I spoke to said that the labelling is technically incorrect now following new more precise interpretation of the rules and that is why these are now getting flagged "health and beauty supplements" is now always categorised as needing to be charged VAT.

    I proceeded to chat further with him and he said that if iHerb changed the category to Food Supplements, and also listed the exact contents of the shipment in their DHL documentation (to prove they are supplements), that in theory VAT would no longer get charged, the info that they have on file is only a short summary so it's impossible for them to make a judgement call, they don't check contents only the documentation provided, however because of the incorrect category, all shipments from iHerb are now flagged automatically for customs.

    I've emailed iHerb to see if they can re-categorise future shipments and also include additional documentation when shipping, have not heard anything back yet so not sure if they will be a goer.

    Will post back here if I get any additional info...

    ***UPDATE FROM IHERB SUPPORT***

    Dear D,

    We're very sorry to hear that you had an issue in your order that you received. I will let the management know about this issue to avoid this incident in future. Thank you for letting us know your concern and thank you for your feedback to improve our service. I also add a note toy our account about your request so they could check every time you order from us.

    We're sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that may caused you.

    Thank you.


    Sincerely,


  • #30
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    dkhylan wrote: »
    Had a long call with DHL, who proceeded to tell me that iHerb shipments have been flagged following a ping from Customs since June 10th so they will always gets flagged for customs moving forward.

    They said to take it up with Revenue if VAT had been applied incorrectly, since accordingly to this (can't post link) food supplements are VAT free:
    no-702011

    They gave me contact details for Revenue and a name however that person is not in the office at the moment so I could not get any decent answers, the chap that I spoke to said that the labelling is technically incorrect now following new more precise interpretation of the rules and that is why these are now getting flagged "health and beauty supplements" is now always categorised as needing to be charged VAT.

    I proceeded to chat further with him and he said that if iHerb changed the category to Food Supplements, and also listed the exact contents of the shipment in their DHL documentation (to prove they are supplements), that in theory VAT would no longer get charged, the info that they have on file is only a short summary so it's impossible for them to make a judgement call, they don't check contents only the documentation provided, however because of the incorrect category, all shipments from iHerb are now flagged automatically for customs.

    I've emailed iHerb to see if they can re-categorise future shipments and also include additional documentation when shipping, have not heard anything back yet so not sure if they will be a goer.

    Will post back here if I get any additional info...



    YOu got further with DHL then I did anyway!

    I'm wondering, if I pay for the charges (including €10 DHL fee) can I get them back or should I wait to get charges cleared and then accept delivery?


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  • #31
    runawaybishop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,510 ✭✭✭runawaybishop


    rustyzip wrote: »
    YOu got further with DHL then I did anyway!

    I'm wondering, if I pay for the charges (including €10 DHL fee) can I get them back or should I wait to get charges cleared and then accept delivery?

    Speaking from experience (i do a lot of global shipments at work) it'll take absolutely ages to get the charges reimbursed if they are applied incorrectly. Personally i would get them cleared first.


  • #32
    AnthonyWalsh07
    Registered Users Posts: 38 ✭AnthonyWalsh07


    Is it everything being charged from iherb?

    I buy quest bars every few months as i get 3 boxes for the same price of 2 over here

    As they considered for sports endurance?


  • #33
    shakedown
    Registered Users Posts: 203 ✭✭shakedown


    I was charged on my recent order of 4 boxes of quest bars.


  • #34
    siblers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,595 ✭✭✭✭siblers


    Davei141 wrote: »
    WTF? Is this DHL that are acting the bollox or is it customs, as it seems DHL are getting a nice deal from this.

    I got a letter from some debt collecting crowd working on DHL's behalf. When I had ordered from DHL previously, I had to give them a 2nd UK address due to customs (they are awful at explaining anything to do with customs)but there was never any mention of an extra charge. I emailed them asking what's the story with this £50 charge but they never got back to me. I won't be using DHL again anytime soon.


  • #35
    Ekels
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭Ekels


    Hi Folks,

    Having some issues myself. Different site to iHerb but dispatched with DHL Global Mail so similar principles apply.

    Package left New Jersey with DHL on 30/05 bound. I know the process is that it goes from there to Germany and then onto Ireland.

    The package contains supplements (fish oils, multivitamins, Alpha Brain nootropics)- may well be a customs issue.

    Anybody experience similar delays, bearing in mind it's now been 5 weeks? Is this a very long delay even for customs?


  • #36
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    This reminds me of "bodybuilding.com" a few years ago, customs seemingly had it in for them and I think were holding back stuff for a long time.


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  • #37
    Ekels
    Registered Users Posts: 462 ✭✭Ekels


    That's exactly who I ordered from :(

    Any way about it?

    EDIT: Just received a response by e-mail from An Post in Portlaoise who state the parcel has not arrived there.


  • #38
    RoadSweeper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,513 ✭✭✭RoadSweeper


    How is UK customs?

    Would it be feasible to order from iHerb and deliver to your Parcel Motel (Uk address) in order to dodge/lower the hit?


  • #39
    StickyIcky
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 899 ✭✭✭StickyIcky


    runawaybishop wrote: »
    No, you were getting away with not paying import fees. No point getting all riled up now because they are being enforced.

    No point in telling people not point in getting all riled up.

    Fact is people like to have the freedom to buy off whoever they want who gives them a decent price and the government are just being fat pigs and forcing us to pay €10 paper work charges along with getting their VAT out of it.


  • #40
    Alf Veedersane
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,654 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    StickyIcky wrote: »
    No point in telling people not point in getting all riled up.

    Fact is people like to have the freedom to buy off whoever they want who gives them a decent price and the government are just being fat pigs and forcing us to pay €10 paper work charges along with getting their VAT out of it.

    It's DHL that are forcing you to pay €10 paper work charges.


  • #41
    StickyIcky
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 899 ✭✭✭StickyIcky


    Alf Veedersane wrote: »
    It's DHL that are forcing you to pay €10 paper work charges.

    Government, DHL, forcing, whatever. Fact is I'm pissed about this. Lots of us buy of iherb.com and have been doing it for ages, but then some fat ass greedy **** bag comes along and decides they wanna squeeze more money out of us. This country is a bloody rip off.


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  • #42
    The Guvnor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,800 ✭✭✭The Guvnor


    The issue with the €10 DHL fee is that it is massive on a €30 order but not so bad on a €2000 one etc.

    The admin fee would be the same at a guess.

    Most Vits are vat free as are certain foods but the rest are vatable.

    Then there is duty.

    Sad thing is - the vat goes on last after the duty, goods value, shipping have all been totted up.

    It looks like they are slapping vat on the goods irrespective - based on this clampdown only 1 option - no more US orders - stick within the eu if feasible.

    What do most of you guys order from iHerb?


  • #43
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    The Guvnor wrote: »
    The admin fee would be the same at a guess.
    Some couriers use a %, not sure which, there is still a maximum amount they can charge though.
    The Guvnor wrote: »
    Then there is duty.
    Duty will only kick in at €150


    I wonder if people would get so irate it shops here started disclosing true costs. e.g. if you went to holland & barrett and alongside the price they had the ex-vat price and also deducted the costs of processing the VAT, i.e. the "handling fee" a figure from their accounts department that have to handle import charges and red tape.


  • #44
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    Oh Lord, I just spent 15 mins with customs this morning going through my orders...... the most frustrating 15 mins of my life.

    Revenue and import people need a complete overhaul..
    I don't think I will be ordering anything from iherb for a long time :mad:


  • #45
    t_dog
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭t_dog


    Has anyone got a proper breakdown of the extra charges from DHL or is it customs/revenue that should have a record of that?


  • #46
    dkhylan
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭dkhylan


    I've put through a new order from iHerb following my email to them asking them to adjust labeling when I order, let's see how this gets on in a few days when passing through customs.


  • #47
    rustyzip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 533 ✭✭✭rustyzip


    I challenged customs on the charges that I incurred.
    I was right on most of the products.
    Absolute joke of a department.


  • #48
    Duck's hoop
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,530 ✭✭✭Duck's hoop


    What sort of products?


  • #49
    StickyIcky
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 899 ✭✭✭StickyIcky


    What about parcel motel?

    If we got the goods shipped to a UK address (i.e. parcel motel in newry or something) and then collected it via the Parcel Motel pickup points in Dundalk / Dublin etc etc

    Do you think we could avoid the TAX and handling fees that way?


  • #50
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    StickyIcky wrote: »
    What about parcel motel?
    If there is any issue with tax etc then parcel motel return it to the sender.

    So if NI customers are having the same problems then you're in the same boat, or worse.
    What happens if there is VAT and/or Duty due on my item?

    Please ensure that any charges payable are paid in advance of delivery. Parcel Motel will not accept responsibility for payment of any VAT or Duty charges due on items delivered. If the postal operator or courier asks for cash on delivery, your item will be refused by us.


  • #51
    miss.piggy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 251 ✭✭miss.piggy


    Can someone please clarify (as I am unsure after reading this thread) - is it legitimate to pay the charges dhl are putting on iherb shipments (i.e. the customs)??? I ordered fish oil, vit d, calcium and coconut butter and am being charged over €30 including the dhl €10 charge? Are they within their rights to charge for these items??
    Thanks in advance


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