Royal Mail "Fee to Pay": what it is and how to check it
A grey Fee to Pay card or an email from Royal Mail means import VAT, sometimes duty, and a handling fee were assessed on a parcel from outside the UK. Real fees can be checked on Royal Mail's own site with the reference on the card. Fake texts asking for small fees are common.
Last reviewed 2026-11-09 · built from the sourced knowledge base · Not legal, tax or customs advice.
Quick answer: What will a £140 order by Royal Mail cost?
20% VAT on goods + postage (£28 on £140 with free postage), duty if the product's rate is above 0%, plus the £8 Royal Mail fee: £36 at 0% duty.
Sources: gov.uk, royalmail.com
Thresholds and tax
Fees
- Royal Mail £8; Parcelforce £12; £25 above £900. Sources: royalmail.com
- DHL Express: 2.5%, min £11 (non-account). FedEx: greater of £12.90 or 2.5% (from 20 Jul 2026). Sources: mydhl.express.dhl, fedex.com
- UPS: reported as greater of £14.35 or 3% of the advanced amount. Unconfirmed Sources: assets.ups.com
Paying and refunds
- 21 days from the Fee-to-Pay card; pay online by day 19. Refunds via BOR286 (Royal Mail/Parcelforce) or C285 (couriers). Sources: personal.help.royalmail.com, gov.uk, gov.uk
Red flags
- An unexpected text or email saying a parcel is held and a small fee is due, with a link. Sources: consumer.ftc.gov, fcc.gov
- USPS does not text payment links. Sources: uspis.gov
- Royal Mail publishes examples of fake messages. Sources: royalmail.com
What to do
- Type the carrier's address yourself and enter the tracking number there. Report US texts to 7726 and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sources: fcc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov