Import charges

student_dan

Hello again everyone!

Not a problem this time but i feel as I'm using everyone's knowledge for my gain it's only fair i give something back. I work for an international courier in the customs department and have a great knowledge base on VAT, Duty etc...

So, If anyone has any questions or needs advice i should be able to help.

Dan

sunnysea83

Hi,

I have purchased an item from USA and its cost me £155ish including postage, how much roughly will i have to pay in duty etc?

thanks in advance

student_dan

Hi Sunnysea,

First what are the goods? every item imagineable (from live horses, to books to Cake) have their own tariff code each with a different rate of duty/Excise. IF you give me an idea i'll be able to give you a rough idea of the import charges.

Also, What price is indicated on the commercial invoice? If just the price of the goods is stated then that's what the VAT and Duty will be calculated on (plus the freight charges added by the company) however if the final price on the invoice includes your freight/packing then thats what the charges will be based on.

up until the end of thie calendar year VAT will be 15% on pretty much everything, Exceptions being antiques over 100 years old, original paintings (each 5%) also Books (no vat) and a few other miscellanious poeices)

Duty will be a percentage of the value between ranging from 0% upwards, Excise is where thigns become tricky....

A freight company will also charge some sort of admin fee, wether it be a charge for customs clearance or a charge for using their deferment account or just a standard admin fee.

If you give me more of an idea i'll be able to help.