British expats lose their shirts to Brexit charges

Buyers have found themselves presented with a bill for customs fees by delivery companies
Buyers have found themselves presented with a bill for customs fees by delivery companies
ALAMY

Consumers in the EU have been hit with unexpected import fees when ordering goods from Britain since the end of the Brexit transition phase.

Most had assumed that the deal signed by Boris Johnson, which included a promise of tariff-free trade, meant that they could continue ordering goods from the UK with no additional cost. Instead they have been receiving hefty bills.

One Briton living in France, who asked not to be named, said that he ordered a pair of trousers and a shirt from Cordings, the country clothing specialist, for a total of €160.

The parcel was delivered by UPS, which presented a further bill for €48 to cover “customs fees”.

The man refused to pay, instead contacting Cordings customer service department, which told