Great 'Buy now from the US' Hunt.

I am surprised no one has asked Martin to weigh in on this one and launch a campaign to have the dutyfree/vat free level increased to a more realistic 2007 level

Given the supposedly close friendship the UK has with the USA, why in this day and age, are we STILL having to put up with pathetic and rediculously low import allowances?(I am thinking mail order/internet sales in particular)

Martin could:

Start a petition
Speak with the American Embasy and ask them if they think it's "fair" that their closest allies are so fiscally punished when it comes to buying US goods?(That would surely provoke a response from someone with some clout?!)
Do a "Tonight" special looking at Import Allowances here in the UK and around the rest of the civilsed world.( I doubt any are as low, though feel free to correct me).
We could boycott all American goods ~period! ...... that is, until they increase the allowances, thereby provoking American exporters/UK importers to stick in their 10 cents, and join the fray.

Some of us are not able to hop on a plane and fill our boots with cheap goodies, so it would be much more equitable if the mail order Import allowances were increased.
Charging duty on shipping too:mad: what's that all about, you have already paid for the damn stuff to be shipped, talk about adding insult to injury!

So many ideas, so much potential TV time Martin;)
So am I the only one who thinks this is a very worthwhile cause?

guineapig wrote: »

I am surprised no one has asked Martin to weigh in on this one and launch a campaign to have the dutyfree/vat free level increased to a more realistic 2007 level

Given the supposedly close friendship the UK has with the USA, why in this day and age, are we STILL having to put up with pathetic and rediculously low import allowances?(I am thinking mail order/internet sales in particular)

Martin could:

Start a petition
Speak with the American Embasy and ask them if they think it's "fair" that their closest allies are so fiscally punished when it comes to buying US goods?(That would surely provoke a response from someone with some clout?!)
Do a "Tonight" special looking at Import Allowances here in the UK and around the rest of the civilsed world.( I doubt any are as low, though feel free to correct me).
We could boycott all American goods ~period! ...... that is, until they increase the allowances, thereby provoking American exporters/UK importers to stick in their 10 cents, and join the fray.

Some of us are not able to hop on a plane and fill our boots with cheap goodies, so it would be much more equitable if the mail order Import allowances were increased.
Charging duty on shipping too:mad: what's that all about, you have already paid for the damn stuff to be shipped, talk about adding insult to injury!

So many ideas, so much potential TV time Martin;)
So am I the only one who thinks this is a very worthwhile cause?

Our duty free allowances and VAT levels have nothing to do with the US. They are set by the UK government and the EU.

The amount of goods that can be brought into the country when you return from abroad is being increased to around £1000 soon from the present level of around £140.

Regards,
Art.

guineapig wrote: »

I appreciate the heads up, but my point at "involving" the USA, was that most people want to buy from the USA so an increased allowance would benefit both sides of the pond.

I also thought getting our friends accross the sea "involved" might add a bit more clout!

The increase in allowance is of course very welcome, but does the increase include mail order/Internet purchases too? as I said some of us are sadly not able to actually go to the USA and fill our suitcases with cheap goodies, we are at the mercy of Customs who scan our parcels:rolleyes: so if this new increase doesn't include shopping from home, it would (seem to me)be rather unfair to penalise those can't fly

Any idea when these new allowances come in to force?
Thanks.

I believe the new allowances are effective any time now but don't have an exact date. Initially the allowance is being doubled to £290. The UK wants this to be £1000 but needs EU approval.

This allowance is only for travellers returning to this country and does not include internet purchases. All items over £18 bought on the net are liable to tax. Some may get through as not all goods are checked on arrival in this country.

Regards,
Art.

guineapig wrote: »

Thanks for the info Art, much appreciated:T

However, as for myself I still think any allowance that is not across the board is short sighted and discrminates against disabled/less abled and any one else who is not in a position to go to the USA in person and take advantage of such increases.
In fact I would go as far as to say that it will make it even more iniquitous for those wanting to buy on line with the paltry £18 allowance:mad:


So that would mean my argument still stands,only this time we can bring in another aspect "discrimination"!!!

why is the "Virtual traveller" so discriminated against?

So if the "suits" have decided that the increase of goods allowed to be exempt is NOT going to be rolled out across the board to include Internet sales for individuals, then we STILL have a problem, which I think is a cause worth fighting for.

For what it is worth, out of 5 parcels in 4 months 4 of those parcels were charged VAT/DUTY, so either I am flagged up on their Computer as a "frequent buyer" or just very unlucky?
What do I buy that get's them so interested? just little bits and bobs that I can't get here, nothing electronic, nothing that anyone under the age 50 would be interested in LOL, but still they always find their way to sending me a bill for almost every parcel:rolleyes:

The allowance is a concession for travellers returning from abroad. It should not be confused with the import threshold of £18 on goods posted into the UK.

Certain suppliers are monitored as are certain buyers. The limit is meant to differentiate small items bought for personal use and items bought as part of a business.

Regards,
Art.

barmonkey wrote: »

the boxset dvds on amazon.com are good value, just pre ordered heroes for about £23 delivered.
ive ordered lots from them and ive never been caught for import duty.

Are the boxsets region one or two, I want to buy heroes for hubby for xmas
thanks