In English law, poundage was an ad valorem customs duty imposed on imports and exports at the rate of 1 shilling for every pound of goods imported or exported.

The levy was introduced in 1347 and continued for many years at the same rate until after the Restoration from when Parliament set the rates according to current needs.

Poundage was closely associated with tonnage, or tunnage, which was a duty on every tun of wine imported.

Poundage on postal orders

In Britain the term poundage is used for the charge imposed on the sale of a postal order

Postal Order

In the United Kingdom , a Postal Order is used for sending money through the mail. In the United States, this is known as a Postal money order...

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