Shopping abroad can be a great way to find unique or hard-to-find items. But if that amazing purchase doesn’t turn out to be so amazing, you may have to navigate the confusing world of international returns. 

And that’s where we come in. 

Most people are aware that international purchases can come with customs and import VAT fees on top. But what most people don’t know is that if you return an item you paid customs duties on, you can get a refund on them from HMRC.

Duty Refunds specialises in reclaiming customs charges on returned goods, and we can save you significant time and energy on your next international shopping spree. 

Read on to learn how our services can help you save time and money on your next international order.

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Who are Duty Refunds?

Getting a customs refund is time-consuming and stressful.

We’re here to fix that.

Duty Refunds is the UK’s leading import duty and VAT specialist, on a mission to help people get their import charges refunded quickly and without hassle. If you’re thinking of returning an item, or you have already returned an item in the last 365 days, we can help you get your customs duty refund stress free.

We liaise with courier companies and HMRC to save you time and energy and submit a refund claim on your behalf. 

Here are the top seven reasons to consider Duty Refunds the next time you return an item to a retailer abroad.

7 reasons to use Duty Refunds for your next shopping

  1. You love to shop from international retailers

Shopping from retailers abroad opens up a world of possibilities. 

There are more styles, options, and designers to choose from. 

Even some designers and brands that are available in the UK have completely different items on their German or Spanish websites. 

We regularly refund items bought from Coltorti, Jacquemus, Replay, eBay, Chrono24, and many more. So if something doesn’t fit you, we can get you a refund of customs charges once you return the items.

  1. You value your time and money

Thanks to so many browser plugins and websites, saving money on international orders has been easier than ever. 

But, if you had to pay customs charges to receive your parcel and ended up having to return the items, you might feel like you haven’t saved any. 

Luckily, you can reclaim import duty and VAT on all goods worth over £135 returned to retailers abroad.

The process can be complicated, but not if you decide to ask Duty Refunds for help. We liaise with courier companies and HMRC to get you a refund in three to six weeks.

All you have to do is give us your tracking number, sit back and relax! Duty Refunds will ensure you get your money back as soon as possible.

  1. You have returned goods abroad

You found a fantastic watch, and it finally arrived. Brilliant. But it turns out something is wrong with it, and you have to return it. Not so brilliant.

What happens with the customs fees you’ve paid for it? Is that money wasted?

Not at all. You can reclaim customs charges if you return a faulty item to the retailer.

Even if it wasn’t faulty, you could still get a refund of customs fees, as long as you have a confirmation of returned goods.

Anyone who has returned an item worth over £135 in the last 365 days to a retailer abroad might be eligible for a refund of customs charges.

If you return goods abroad, Duty Refunds can help you reclaim the import charges you paid for them. Our process is safe and efficient and will save you the stress from running around, gathering documents, and dealing with HMRC.

  1. You’re not sure whether you’re eligible for a refund

Maybe you would like to initiate the process but aren’t sure if you are eligible to reclaim customs charges.

The terms highlighted by HMRC can be pretty confusing. 

The two main conditions are:

  • You have returned the items from the order worth over £135;
  • It’s been less than 365 days since you returned the items.

There are also many other situations in which you can get a refund.

For example, even if you returned only one item from your parcel, you can ask for a refund of import duty and VAT. This is called a partial refund. 

Also, in some cases, you don’t even have to return the item. Sometimes retailers don’t want you to send the item back but are willing to refund you the money. As long as you get proof of refund, you can submit a claim for a refund of import VAT and duties. 

Your parcel might also get lost in transport. If you explain the situation to the retailer and get a refund for your parcel, you can submit a claim to HMRC. 

However, you don’t have to rely on HMRC to check whether you’re eligible or not. Some of these situations aren’t even highlighted on their website. 

You can always contact Duty Refunds or check eligibility on our website. If you get the green light from our experts, you can also go ahead and initiate a claim.

  1. You think that the refund process is too complicated

Trust us. You aren’t the only one that thinks it’s too much hassle!

From gathering the documents to finding the proper form out of many CHIEF claims on the HMRC website and filling it out. 

And then having to deal with the uncertainty of whether your claim will be approved or denied. It would probably be the longest six weeks of your life…

Well, good for you that you don’t have to deal with the complicated process alone. Or at all!

Duty Refunds can gather all documents on your behalf, complete the claim, and submit it to HMRC. You can initiate the claim from the comfort of your home and track the progress on your Duty Refunds account. 

  1. You don’t understand how the process works

This is another common issue. Many UK shoppers are unfamiliar with the process or even the possibility of reclaiming import taxes. They mostly struggle with finding the correct form, collecting documents from their courier and retailer, or deciphering customs declarations. 

There is no need to learn these things when you have Duty Refunds at your disposal!

Once you give us your case, we will handle the entire process on your behalf. 

  1. You don’t want to deal with HMRC

Most UK citizens give up on reclaiming import VAT and customs duties because they don’t want to deal with HMRC. 

People cannot determine which claim to complete or don’t receive feedback on the submitted ones. So, they wonder whether they got denied because they incorrectly filled out the form. Or were they not eligible for a refund from the start?

But, if you have somebody to communicate with HMRC on your behalf, you will see just how stress-free the process can be. 

Key takeaways

We understand just how time-consuming reclaiming customs charges can be! Especially if you’re doing it for the first time. 

However, there is a solution! 

We hope this article has clarified what Duty Refunds is about and how our service can help you. 

If you have already returned the goods to a retailer abroad or plan to do so, initiate the process with Duty Refunds to reclaim import VAT and customs duty.

We have helped numerous UK citizens, and permanent residents get their money back, and we look forward to assisting you!