I'm sure you must know this already.Originally Posted by Baliw99
Hi, just wondering if anyone has had any experience about this.
I am getting married at the end of the year, am a smoker, after talking to my mahal, we thought that a good way to save some money would be for her to send me 400 smokes every month, as it would be cheaper than buying them here (please no replies about why not just give up), anyway, has anyone here had any experience in sending cigarettes from the Philippines to the UK, is it allowed by DHL or any other company? As it is only 400 per month, will I be taxed or will they be destroyed by UK customs?
Thanks in advance
I'm only going to inform you about the process and procedures for the legal route.
The rules say you can BRING specific amounts of tobacco with you personally when you enter into the UK.
Sending by post is not actually bringing them with you.
If you're sending tobacco from a non-EU country to the UK, Excise Duty and a few other taxes must be paid by the recipient once the goods have arrived in the UK but before the goods are delivered.
Additionally, cigarettes must bear UK health warnings and fiscal marks.
The package carrier will pay taxes and duty to HMRC on your behalf, and charge a handling fee to cover:-
- operating the postal customs depot
- handling the package for customs examination
- opening, repacking and resealing the package if required
- paying the charges to HMRC on your behalf
Depending on the regularity of shipments HMRC may require you to acquire an import license. More cost.
When you add up all the charges legally due they'd actually cost you more than buying them at home.
Doing it illegally may well result in quite unpleasant outcomes both for you and you g/f
