Royal Mail warns of extra fees for parcels over £135 and gifts over £39

Royal Mail has alerted shoppers that parcels and gifts arriving in the United Kingdom may be subject to additional charges under a £135 threshold rule. Items valued above £135, and gifts over £39, trigger VAT and customs duties that are assessed by HM Revenue & Customs and collected by Royal Mail at delivery. The service also adds an £8 handling fee to cover customs clearance and administrative costs.

Recipients must settle the fee within 21 days, or the parcel will be sent back to the sender, with online payments requiring completion within 19 days of the card’s expiry. Letters, postcards and documents generally remain exempt from these charges. The policy is expected to affect more shipments during the holiday season.