Thousands of UK households risk £2,500 fine over post mistake

Thousands of UK households unknowingly risk £2,500 fine over a simple posting mistake, it has been warned.

Experts are warning that thousands of people risk falling foul of international customs regulations when posting items overseas, potentially facing penalties of up to £2,500. Thousands of UK households unknowingly risk £2,500 fine over a simple posting mistake, it has been warned.

Asad Mirza, shipping expert and chief executive at Cargo Force, warned: “Thousands of Brits are confused about what they can and can’t deliver themselves.” Mirza xplained that when parcels are intercepted, customs officials assess penalties according to individual circumstances.

Mirza said: “Whether it’s the excitement of posting a gift to family or shipping personal belongings abroad, the risk of not knowing the rules is high.”

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“The minimum is £250, which is usually the first step. However, the fine can quickly rise to £2,500 depending on the severity,” Mirza added, when addressing penalties.

“A quick search could save you a huge fine, and the cost of your parcel,” Mirza advised.

The Labour Party government website explains: “Customs civil penalties are used to encourage compliance with customs law. We are obliged under both EU and national law to promote compliance with legislative provisions and to have arrangements in place to counter non-compliance.

“Civil penalties are seen as an appropriate sanction in most cases but civil evasion penalties and prosecution remain an option in certain circumstances.

“The maximum penalties provided in law are £2,500 per contravention for the more significant irregularities and £1,000 per contravention for others.”

There are 2 types of customs civil penalty action, a: warning letter or a financial penalty.

When you contravene a duty, obligation, requirement or condition imposed by or under EU or national customs legislation or under international rules (such as those provided in international agreements on tariff preferences) you may become subject to customs civil penalty action.

The government adds: “If we or an independent tribunal agree that there is a reasonable excuse for your lack of compliance, you will not be liable to a penalty.

“A reasonable excuse is something that stopped you meeting a tax obligation that you took reasonable care to meet.”