A subsequent charge is an invoice for additional costs relating to a booked shipment order that were either not yet determinable at the time of booking, or were initially undercharged due to discrepancies in the information provided (e.g. incorrect dimensions).
Read on to find out why you have received a subsequent charge from the shipping carrier.
There are various reasons for a subsequent charge. Click on a reason to find out more:
Dimensions, Weight & Girth
In order for the shipping price to be calculated correctly, the dimensions and weight of your shipment must be specified accurately. Each parcel is automatically measured and weighed by laser scanner at the carrier's sorting hub. Any discrepancies compared to your booking details will be charged subsequently.
Please also note the volumetric weight: for bulky but light parcels, carriers calculate the tariff based on the dimensional weight — provided it exceeds the actual weight.
Volumetric weight = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ Carrier divisorSome carriers also apply a surcharge above certain thresholds for girth. Girth is calculated as the longest side plus twice the perimeter of the cross-section.
Girth = Length + 2 × (Width + Height)Additional Handling
Certain parcels cannot be processed fully automatically at the sorting centre and require manual intervention — for example due to unusual shapes, oversized dimensions, excess weight or special contents. This surcharge also applies if the outer packaging is not made of corrugated cardboard or has been additionally wrapped in film. In these cases the carrier applies an additional handling surcharge, which JUMiNGO passes on as a subsequent charge.
Typical triggers include parcels that exceed the carrier's size and weight limits, shipments with irregular shapes (e.g. cylinders or unpackaged items), and contents that require special treatment.
Non-stackable Pallet
When booking a pallet shipment, you must indicate whether the pallet is stackable or not. Non-stackable pallets require more floor space during transport and are charged by the carrier with a corresponding surcharge.
If a pallet was declared as stackable at the time of booking but classified as non-stackable by the carrier — for example because the contents, shape or condition of the pallet do not permit stacking — the price difference will be charged subsequently.
Storage Fees
If a shipment cannot be delivered and remains at the carrier's depot or warehouse for a certain period of time, storage fees will be incurred. These are passed on as a subsequent charge if applied by the carrier.
Storage costs often arise when the recipient is unreachable or customs clearance is delayed.
Prohibited Item Fee
Each carrier defines in its terms and conditions goods that may not be transported at all or only under certain conditions. If a shipment is identified as a prohibited or restricted item, the carrier will levy a special fee — regardless of whether the shipment is forwarded or withheld.
Limited Quantities (Hazardous Goods in Limited Quantities)
Certain goods — such as products containing lithium batteries, aerosols or items with a small proportion of hazardous substances — may be shipped under the classification "Limited Quantities" (LQ). This status requires a specific declaration and is charged by the carrier with a surcharge.
If a shipment was not declared as Limited Quantities even though its contents fall under this regulation, the carrier may charge the corresponding fee retrospectively.
Return Shipment
If a shipment cannot be delivered to the destination address — because the recipient was repeatedly unreachable, the address was incomplete or incorrect, or delivery was refused — the carrier will return the parcel to the sender. The resulting return shipping costs are borne by the party who placed the order.
Duties, Taxes & Import Charges
For shipments to third countries (outside the EU) or when importing into the EU, various charges apply. The carrier advances these on behalf of the customs authority and subsequently passes them on as a subsequent charge.
Import VAT is equivalent to the value-added tax on imported goods and is calculated on the total value of the shipment including transport costs, insurance and duties. The standard rate in the UK is 20%.
VAT = (Goods value + Shipping + Insurance + Duties) × VAT rateImport duties are government levies applied when importing from non-EU countries. The amount depends on the commodity code (HS code), the country of origin and the goods value (CIF value). For countries with free trade agreements, the duty rate may be 0%.
The carrier advances customs duties and taxes to the customs authority so that your shipment can be forwarded without delay. The carrier charges a disbursement fee for this service.
Typically: 2–3% of the advanced amount, min. £10–15The carrier charges a fee for preparing and submitting the customs declaration. This includes classifying the goods, checking the trade documents and electronically transmitting the declaration to the customs authority.
Typically: £20–50 depending on goods value and carrierIf your shipment contains several different products, each commodity code (HS code) must be declared separately in the customs entry. An additional processing fee is charged for each additional customs line beyond the first.
Typically: £3–6 per additional customs lineThe SEPA Core Direct Debit Mandate authorises us to collect regular payments only. Subsequent charges cannot therefore simply be collected by direct debit and must be paid independently.
Do you consider a subsequent charge to be unjustified and would like to dispute it? We are happy to help you clarify the matter. Please fill in the complaint form below so that we can review your case.