Where has Winne the Pooh's Honey gone?

A recent Tribunal case made us laugh in the office (yes, even VAT and Customs Duties can be amusing at times!).

The case concerned a jar of honey, posted from Australia to the UK Appellant as a gift, the weight of the jar of honey was 1.8kg.

Unfortunately for the Appellant, the legal import or honey is only 1KG - therefore what did Customs do - seized it!

The Appellant therefore appeals, wanting his jar of honey for his toast no doubt and in no doubt that he was not going to let the Customs Officer have honey on his toast instead.... The Chairman, whilst acknowledging that Customs acted within the law, stated:

"I also confess to having found it somewhat bewildering that a case, that generated a weight of paper very significantly in excess of the weight of honey, was occasioned simply by the personal importation of one quantity of honey being unproblematic, whilst importation of the same honey involved the destruction of the honey"!!

Winnie the Pooh will now make sure his Uncle sends his honey in 1KG jars in a number of unconnected gifts - good to know our taxes pay for such relevant and productive cases!