Now gifts are hit by Brexit parcel farce | Money

Families who send parcels to relatives in the EU are being slapped with unexpected charges as a result of post-Brexit rules that came into force on January 1.

Those who send gifts to and from EU countries are the latest to be unexpectedly caught by new rules over tax and customs duties that must be paid on some goods sent internationally.

The changes have already caused widespread chaos for online shoppers who order goods from within the EU. The rules also affect anything sent abroad, from products bought online to gifts between relatives and friends.

Parcel delivery companies are pocketing huge fees from the confusion. They act as importers on behalf of people sending and receiving goods and so charge brokerage fees that can exceed