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Duty change comes into effect
The threshold at which duty is charged on goods imported from outside the European Union has been increased.
Under new rules introduced on 1 January 2010, shoppers can spend up to £135 online or via mail order before they are charged customs duty.
The tax was previously levied on packages valued over £120.
HM Revenue and Customs has confirmed that import VAT is still due on packages valued over £18.
Meanwhile, travellers to the UK can also benefit from changes to the tax regime. Those arriving by commercial flights or sea transport from a non-EU country can now bring in up to £390 worth of goods for personal use (up from £340) without being charged customs duty or VAT.
However, this does not include tobacco, alcohol or fuel, for which separate allowances apply.