If you’re looking to reclaim import duties and VAT on your international returns, HMRC compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. One of the most common stumbling blocks for UK e-commerce brands is failing to create a robust, HMRC-compliant audit trail. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and how to get it right.

Duty recovery isn’t just about compliance it’s about unlocking hidden profit in your returns process. For UK e-commerce retailers, especially those shipping internationally, unclaimed import duties and VAT on returns can represent a significant missed opportunity. Here’s how to build a compelling business case for investing in duty recovery, with real numbers and practical steps.

For many UK e-commerce retailers, the prospect of reclaiming import duties and VAT on international returns seems daunting. Concerns about compliance risk, paperwork, and the fear of HMRC audits often prevent brands from pursuing what they’re rightfully owed. Meridian Drawback UK was founded to break down these barriers and make duty recovery a low-risk, high-reward process.

International returns have become a significant challenge for UK e-commerce retailers, especially in the wake of Brexit. With added customs duties and VAT on goods re-entering the UK, many businesses are unknowingly leaving substantial sums unclaimed. This post explores how Returned Goods Relief (RGR) represents a powerful yet underutilised opportunity to recover profit.