In English law, poundage is an archaic form of customs duty imposed on imports and exports. Poundage was applied at a rate of 12 old pence in the pound (equivalent to five pence in the pound today). Poundage was introduced in 1302 and abolished in 1787.

Poundage on postal orders

The poundage is also the charge imposed on the sale of a postal order.{Annual Register 1914 p 262} In some countries, the poundage was called the commission or the fee.