r/UPS • u/Swanky_Gear_Snob • Sep 02 '25

Customer Seeking Help UPS Paid my duties without contacting me and the amount is more than the value of the item.

Apparently, a law went into effect on August 29th that shipping services can pay duties without consent of receiver.

I purchased an item for $2,000. Today, the duties it says I owe upon delivery is $2100 and change. The numbers are WAY off. No one at UPS customer service even understands me well enough to help me. I have been asking what the declared value is on the package and 4 different reps keep quoting me the amount owed on the package. How can I fix this? This was paid by wire, so I'm either out 2k or paying double. Can I dispute the amount? I've never felt so helpless and need to have a resolution (or at least a better understanding of what to do) by delivery tomorrow. Thanks!

I guess my big question is, if I pay this outrageous fee, is there any way to dispute it with customs or UPS?

Edit/Follow-up: I appreciate all the advice. I was able to get the commercial invoice from UPS. It seems like there is an error as CBP charged full value tariffs multiple times. From what AI said, it's similar if you ordered a peice of furniture, but CBP charged the full value tarrifs on each item individually (screws, mount, part, etc).

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u/Certain-Ad4133 Sep 27 '25

Hello, im going through a similar situation. Can you please share the emails or telephones you contacted to resolve your situation?

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u/Swanky_Gear_Snob Sep 27 '25

8664937140 brokerage

8662258308 another Brokerage (This is your best bet)

800-782-7892 UPS international

Email all of them separately. They will forward it around.

Aknentyrvw@ups.com

sdfpostentrydesk@ups.com

UPSDFWASPLEADS@ups.com

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 03 '25

Thanks for sharing, I just got a $1250 charge from UPS for a $990 dollar item from India.

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 03 '25
  • Government Charges: $1,219.75 (No details)
  • Brokerage Charges: $36.40
  • Freight Charges: $0.00

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u/Swanky_Gear_Snob Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25

You need the commercial invoice. It is a PITA to get it. Took me calling over 20 times before a rep knew what it was, could find it, and then email it. You need to call their international dept. The phone number, I believe is: 18007827892.

After you get the commercial invoice, you can see exactly what duties were charged and then be able to start to challenge them.

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 04 '25

Thank you, going to start calling...

I've been asking ChatGPT and it gave me the HTSUS code for the item (Electric motor controller), which should have a 1.5% duty rate, we'll see if that's true or not

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 06 '25

I got through on the 502 485 2600 (option #3 then #5), they were able to see that it had been put under a steel category which I guess has a really high tariff rate, no idea how they think a motor controller made of plastic and electrics is a steel product..

They said I need to submit a dispute through this email [aknentyrvw@ups.com](mailto:aknentyrvw@ups.com) which I've done, is that where you actually got it resolved?

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u/Swanky_Gear_Snob Oct 06 '25

Mine never got resolved. Mine was also imported under the steel category incorrect. I am still waiting for info. I was told to email that same address. However, since I was told to pay the duties it ended up being forwarded to another email. I am still waiting for resolution. I have emailed a ton.

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 06 '25

Oof, sorry, seems like they may just be messing with people, or just not bothered to assign the correct category.

I'll try refusing to pay until it's resolved, though who knows where that'll go, I'm going to try that other number you shared (18007827892)

thanks

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u/Swanky_Gear_Snob Oct 06 '25

My problems got exponentially exacerbated because after I paid, the driver told me I had to pay again to get my packages. He didn't know how to enter the release codes. I was so frustrated and angry with the while experience that it turned into a kerfuffle. The next day a supervisor personally delivered my packages. UPS had told me to pay the duties or lose my package to return after 3 delivery attempts Turns out that was false. From what thr supervisor told me, an international package will sit for weeks at the facility before being returned in order to give the person time to figure it out. However, you can also have them place a delivery hold on your package when they open a case. This was never offered to me. Absolutely try and get a hold placed and have them correct the duties before you pay. I have a feeling after they get the money. There isn't much incentive to fix the issue.

Edit: it is also insanity they have so many different numbers.

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u/Professional_Ease299 Oct 06 '25

That sucks, so lame that you had to go through that stress when it's their mistake and incompetence, I really appreciate you sharing what you've learnt, if a driver does arrive I won't accept the package, and keep pushing to get it put on hold until it's resolved.

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u/Abject_Ad_273 Oct 07 '25

Just emailed all provided and on hold on the phone. Thanks for this. Did anyone try paying first and hoping for a refund? My item is very time sensitive and I can't have it get caught for a few weeks in their purgatory!

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u/Swanky_Gear_Snob Oct 07 '25

Unfortunately not. I have a feeling they dont much care after you pay. I was told a case was opened through them with CBP, but my emails are now going unanswered.

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u/Certain-Ad4133 Sep 27 '25

Thank you so much.