Official starting pointGOV.UK: Tax and customs for goods sent from abroad ↗
What GOV.UK currently makes clear
- Goods posted or couriered from another country go through customs.
- VAT, Customs Duty or Excise Duty may be payable depending on the circumstances.
- The parcel or courier company handles the parcel through customs and may contact the recipient about amounts due.
- The sender must declare goods correctly.
- Rules differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Why there is no threshold table here
Rates, classifications and thresholds can change and depend on the product and route. A copied number can become misleading. Follow the current GOV.UK pages when you are ready to arrange shipping.
Do not rely on “customs-safe” claims
No shipping line or agent link on this site is described as tax-free, seizure-proof or guaranteed to clear. Do not ask a sender to make a false declaration or understate the value.
Keep useful records
Retain the product record, invoices, payment evidence and shipping details. If a carrier contacts you, use its official channel and compare the request with current government guidance.