How to claim a repayment of import duty and VAT if you've overpaid
Use the Customs Declaration Service or Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight online service, or form C285, depending on where you made your declaration.
You can claim for repayment if you’ve overpaid import duty and VAT. In some cases you may also be able to claim if you’ve overpaid VAT or excise duty.
Who can apply
You can make a claim if you are:
- an importer or their representative
- an agent
- a freight forwarder
- a private individual
How to apply
You may be able to apply using our online services or form C285. Whichever you use, you must first find out if the declaration was made on either the:
- Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
- Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF)
If you’re unsure you can ask your agent or representative to confirm which service the declaration was made on.
You will need to use the C285 form in some of the following situations.
If you’re applying following a Trade Remedies Authority review
If you think you may be entitled to a repayment of customs duty following a review by the Trade Remedies Authority, you will need to apply using form C285. You cannot use the online service to do this.
If you’re VAT registered
If you’re a VAT registered business, you must not use form C285 or the online service to claim a repayment of overpaid VAT.
You’ll need to make an adjustment through your VAT return instead, following normal VAT rules. Overpaid import VAT is not due to HMRC so you cannot recover it as input tax.
To claim a repayment you’ll need to:
- reduce the amount of output tax due in Box 1 of the VAT return
- keep an audit trail to support your claim
If you’re not VAT registered
If you are not VAT registered you must continue to use form C285 or the online service to claim for a repayment.
If you imported goods into Great Britain
For goods imported into Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) you should apply under the Customs (Import Duty) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018.
If you imported goods into Northern Ireland
For goods you imported into Northern Ireland, you should apply under the Union Customs Code (UCC) legislation.
If the declaration was made by an agent or representative
If you’re a fast parcel operator (FPO), before using this form you’ll need to check Paying VAT on imports from outside the UK to Great Britain and from outside the EU to Northern Ireland.
When to apply
The time limit for submitting a claim for repayment of overpaid duty and VAT is:
- 3 years for overpayments
- 1 year for rejected imports
- 3 months for invalidation of a customs entry
You should check the legislation in the ‘How to apply’ section for exceptions.
What you’ll need
To claim a repayment you’ll need:
- the movement reference number (MRN) — for Customs Declaration Service claims
- an EORI number
- a commercial invoice that shows the value of imported goods
- a packing list
- the transport documents — airway bill or bill of lading
- the amount that should have been paid to HMRC
- your bank details
- your contact and address details
For CHIEF repayment claims you’ll need:
- form E2 — the entry acceptance form received for goods imported into the UK
- form C88 — the main customs form used in international trade to declare goods to customs
- the amount of import duty or VAT that was paid to HMRC
You may be asked to upload additional documents depending on your claim type.
Apply online
If you made your declaration in the Customs Declaration Service
Use the Customs Declaration Service for your claim if this is where the declaration was made.
Make sure you have all your necessary documents and files ready to upload before you start.
Sign in with the Government Gateway user ID and password that you used to subscribe to the Customs Declaration Service. This ID will be linked to your EORI number.
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.
If you are applying for a customs duty waiver repayment
Use form C285 to make a claim.
If you made your declaration on CHIEF
You can apply for repayment of import duty and VAT on CHIEF.
Claim by post
These forms can only be used until 8 January 2025.
If you made your declaration on the Customs Declaration Service
Use form C285 for CDS for declarations made on the Customs Declaration Service.
If you made your declaration on CHIEF
Use form C285 for CHIEF for declarations made on CHIEF.
Print and post the form to HMRC along with any relevant supporting documents, to the postal address given at the end of the form.
These files may not be suitable if you use assistive technology — such as a screen reader. If you need a more accessible format, email different.format@hmrc.gov.uk and tell us what format you need. It will help if you tell us what assistive technology you use. Read the accessibility statement for HMRC forms.
After you’ve applied
If you applied using CDS or online
You’ll get an email from HMRC confirming your claim and the movement reference numbers you’ve used.
HMRC may contact you to ask for more information if needed.
If you applied by post
You’ll receive a letter with your National Duty Repayment Centre reference, confirming we have received your application.
Updates to this page
Published 31 October 2019Last updated 14 November 2024 + show all updates
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Customs duty waiver repayments online form has been added.
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We have clarified how to reclaim a repayment of VAT if you're VAT registered.
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A new online service for overpayment claims for declarations made in the Customs Declaration Service has been added.
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Information about what to do if you think you may be entitled to a repayment of customs duty following a review by the Trade Remedies Authority has been added.
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This guide has been updated to confirm that VAT-registered importers cannot use form C285 to reclaim overpayments of import VAT and the section on overpaid Customs Duty on imports from Cambodia and Myanmar has been removed.
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Added information on 'Overpaid Customs Duty on imports from Cambodia and Myanmar'.
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First published.