Currently, you can send a parcel domestically in the UK and into Europe with no requirement for any customs documentation and you won't incur any customs charges. However, if you are sending outside the EU to popular destinations such as the USA, China, Australia or India, you will need to complete a customs declaration form and customs duty may apply.
We have collated some customs advice that you should be aware of to help you understand customs charges and what you can do to ensure your package clears customs.
Customs is an authority who control what is shipped in and out of a country. They ensure no illegal or prohibited goods get through and also ensure the government they represent receive the correct tax and duty owed on goods that are liable for charges.
Each country has a different set of rules regarding customs, so you will need to do your research before you post your parcel overseas.
If you are sending a parcel from the UK to a country outside the EU, customs charges will apply and you will need to complete a customs declaration form, detailing the item you're sending and its value.
All packages sent with Maxis Logistics and Security Services are Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU). This means any customs duty owed must be paid by the recipient.
When the package arrives, customs will contact the recipient for payment if there is any duty owed and this will need to be paid before the parcel is released. Packages will be held by customs until payments are made and returned or destroyed if payments aren’t received.
When you book with Maxis Logistics and Security Services you must provide a working local contact number that the recipient can be contacted on and a working email address that belongs to them.
If on the tracking you see any customs related updates, contact the recipient to ensure they have been contacted by customs and if they haven't, get in touch with Maxis Logistics and Security Services and we can contact the courier to resolve this.
Unfortunately, delays can occur in customs and there is sometimes nothing that can be done until they have taken the time to clear the goods for you. Maxis Logistics and Security Services has no control over this and neither does the sender, so do let the recipient know that delays are possible.
As a courier service, we do have direct contact with customs, we liaise with the courier you booked through our quote engine to resolve any issues.