Did you know you have to pay VAT when sending parcels to the UK?

Monday, 12 May 2025 09:00

If you’re sending parcels to the UK that are worth £39 or more, did you know that VAT needs to be paid on the goods inside?

Jersey Post say they advise customers to pre-pay VAT on these parcels at the Post Office if they want to speed up delivery.

When they were researching the speed of mail getting the UK, Jersey Post said their GPS trackers found that post with pre-declared VAT reached its destination quicker, in an average of 2.4 days.

Meanwhile, those items where VAT needed to be declared took 1.5 days longer, in an average of 3.9 days.

Read the results of our recent postal speed test .

And don't forget, Jersey Post have also recently announced that they will be charging customers a £5 ‘packing surcharge’ for all large parcels not packaged in a cardboard box.

The charge will come in from Monday, 12 May and will apply to incorrectly packaged parcels you send with a weight between two to 30kg.

More from Latest News

Top tips for sleeping better in hot weather

When temperatures rise, getting a good night’s sleep can become difficult. Hot, humid conditions make it harder for the body to cool down naturally, which can leave people restless, uncomfortable and tired the next day.
Beat the heat: Top tips for staying cool in hot weather

When the Island experiences a heatwave, it can be hard to stay cool. The UK summers are getting hotter – and this week we've experienced the highest May temperatures on record – so what are our options to beat the heat?
Get your grill out for ‘National BBQ Week’

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, you may be starting to think about dusting off the grill and enjoying outdoor dining with family and friends. And we now have a dedicated 'Barbecue Food' section on Prices.je
Why more shoppers are choosing supermarket own brands over big names

The cost-of-living crisis continues to reshape how Islanders shop. In Jersey and across the UK, many consumers are rethinking long-held loyalties to well-known brands such as Heinz, Hellmann’s, Nescafé and Bisto, and are increasingly turning to supermarket own-brand alternatives.
Travel insurance matters – buy it as soon as you book

Planning a holiday, mini-break, or even just a weekend away? Remember, travel insurance is an essential part of booking a holiday, not an optional extra.
National Egg Month: celebrating one of our most versatile ingredients

Every May, the UK celebrates National Egg Month, a month‑long event that champions one of the nation’s most versatile, nutritious and affordable foods.

Opinion Poll

The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.

Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.

ⓘ What does the JCC do with this information?

Did you know you have to pay VAT when sending parcels to the UK?

Share

More from Latest News

Opinion Poll

Connect with the JCC