Have Parcelforce cut their customs clearance charge?

[sosidge]

It's been a long time since I ordered anything from abroad that needed a charge - thinking back, it was probably 2 years ago - but I have just had a customs charge parcel today through Parcelforce, and I was pleasantly surprised!

The customs clearance fee was only £8, whereas last time I'm sure it was much higher (£13.50 rings a bell).

Have they decreased their fees or is there a reason I was charged less?

Part of me hopes they were forced to decrease the clearance fee because £13.50 was a rip-off for the time it took them to calculate the tax and print a label. £8 seems a lot more reasonable (although a fiver would be better, I think that is roughly what UPS and Fedex charge if you don't have an account).

PS before this descends into a debate about VAT and Duty can I just say that I am very happy to pay the UK tax on these items! I just objected to the unreasonable £13.50 fee. Almost as bad as what solicitors charge to write a letter