What the heck is a tax code that couriers are demanding now from UK citizens lately?

[Ebayorbust]

But im not a business.

If you are buying bulk items from China to resell then you are a business.

[J4G3D]

Originally Posted by Ebayorbust

If you are buying bulk items from China to resell then you are a business.

Im not.

I am purchasing 1 item from aliexpress.

[Ebayorbust]

Originally Posted by J4G3D

Im not.

I am purchasing 1 item from aliexpress.

Have you in the recent past bought bulk items and had them delivered via DHL to the same address?

I've bought 3 separate items on Aliexpress with DHL delivery in the last 6 weeks and was not ask for any tax info.

[J4G3D]

Originally Posted by Ebayorbust

Have you in the recent past bought bulk items and had them delivered via DHL to the same address?

I've bought 3 separate items on Aliexpress with DHL delivery in the last 6 weeks and was not ask for any tax info.

Yes, about 1 year ago. But that makes no difference as DHL are requiring the tax code regardless of who you are or your address. I have tried to order, I'd say, from 3 different sellers in the last 6 months. All are saying that DHL need a tax code to be able to ship to the UK.

[Ebayorbust]

Originally Posted by J4G3D

Yes, about 1 year ago. But that makes no difference as DHL are requiring the tax code regardless of who you are or your address. I have tried to order, I'd say, from 3 different sellers in the last 6 months. All are saying that DHL need a tax code to be able to ship to the UK.

Perhaps it does make a difference. Like I said, I've purchased three times in the last six weeks or so with delivery via DHL and no tax number was required.

[J4G3D]

Originally Posted by Ebayorbust

Perhaps it does make a difference. Like I said, I've purchased three times in the last six weeks or so with delivery via DHL and no tax number was required.

It doesn't though.

I tell you why.

One chinese seller on my skype that I wanted to order from (but I didn't) told me that DHL are still requesting the tax code. Therefore its not based on name/address but their new requirement.

I've posted this issue on other forums and someone with a sourcing company in china posted and said that they can confirm it is a new requirement by DHL in china when shipping to the UK. So it exists. Theres also the chap on ebay discussion forum asking the same question.

So you got lucky, or your chinese seller put a random/other persons tax id code in when shipping to you.

[Ebayorbust]

Just use another courier then. It's no big deal.

[J4G3D]

Originally Posted by Ebayorbust

Just use another courier then. It's no big deal.

Apparently the other big couriers are asking for a tax code now.

The seller only gave me the option for china mail or hong kong mail which is considerably slower than DHL. Plus I've paid for the faster delivery now.

[J4G3D]

DHL live chat:

me: Hi, What is a tax code?

me: Every time I try to order something from china, they're telling me DHL are requesting my tax code. I have no idea what this is.

Macey : Hello Mr xxxx. Is the shipment being sent to a business or private address?

me: private address

Macey : You most likely will not have one then. If you did have a tax code then you would know what it was. Please may I kindly advise that you advise the sender you do not have one then they will be able to advise their local DHL of this.

me: I did that, but they said its a new requirement by DHL from every resident in the UK. I can see many people are asking the same question online on forums but there is no answer to it.

Macey : Please bear with me whilst I check this.

me: thanks

Macey : Thanks for holding. Customs have advised if you are selling the shipment once it arrives then you should have one but if you are just buying an item then you probably wont have one, in this case we just advise customs that you do not have one and they are still able to clear the parcel so as far as myself and customs are aware of this is not a new requirement. I apologise for any inconvenience

me: okay

me: many thanks for your help