See first page - I think it is my seventh post but it is this one - Thu, Sep 27 2007, 6:15 PM If you have any queries, I suggest you start phoning and writing to the apropriate agencies instead of bothering me about stuff I have already covered.

I do see your point about about the Duty being paid and not actually due anymore but I'm afraid this is covered by a separate charter with HMRC and Royal Mail.

The difference between your interpretation and mine is that I have spoken to and received emails from Sean O'hara the Director of PostComm. It was PostComm that wrote the Act. Please confirm what you are telling me, your interpretation is right but PostComm (the body that WROTE THE ACT) is wrong. 'Tis you that have it wrong, as I stated ...

104 (2) Anything to which this subsection applies shall have the same immunity from— (d) retention by virtue of a lien, (d) retention by virtue of a lien,(3) In subsection (2) “relevant power” means any power other than— a power conferred by an enactment relating to customs or excise in its application, by virtue of ...

Please suply the sources of your information regarding the Royal Mail or Parcel Force (as a Universal Postal Service) being able to hold the item for the HANDLING FEE, not the Duty. I am sure Royal Mail would love to hear it, as they could not supply it to PostComm's legal department in 2007.

P.S. I put my references, names and contact details in my post on moneysupermaket.com. May we have your sources?

Yes they can hold it for the Duty - that is what we are saying, they cannot hold it for the handling charge which can only be obtained in case of dispute by civil means.

105 (3) Duties (whether of customs or excise) charged on imported goods or other charges payable in respect of postal packets to which this section applies (whether payable to a postal operator or to a foreign administration) may be recovered by the postal operator concerned and in England and Wales and Northern Ireland may be so recovered as a ...

I am now having my posts deleted too.Bert - read 104 (3) (c) you will then see that Royal Mail can hold a parcel in lien for Duty to be paid.

Bert - The law states that they can delay the item until the Duty is paid. Check sections 105 and 106. The points we are making are: 1) The item is held in lien for the handling fee, even if the Duty is offered to be paid. 2) By doing so they are not allowing a customer to dispute the handling charge, which contravenes the relevant sections ...