Import Duty / VAT - how strict are the limits?

pepsi_max2k

I know the limit before import duty / vat etc are applied is £18, I'm just wondering how strict that is? I have a couple of things I want to purchase from USA, both are coming to around £20 after shipping, I'm wondering whether it's worth the bother if it's gonna get hit with around another £10 when it gets here Do they usually just pick out the big boys and not bother with the things a few £1s over, or is everything equally up for being charged?

NeilJung

If the seller marks it accurately on the customs form then, yes, you will be hit with charges if it's at all over the allowance. Most of the sellers I buy from abroad tend to dishonestly mark the packages as "gift" or under-declare the value however, which is terrible as I would much rather be shafted on the import tax and handling costs. It might be worth contacting the sellers in advance and see how they handle such things, and of course if the offer to under-declare the value or mark it as a gift, do not deal with them as it would be dishonest and quite simply stealing from the mouths of the Queens children.

F&L

In my experience they will go for the ones that are just a few pounds over the limit. I'm not sure what to make of the above response but if you were to ask the seller to mark the item as "gift" you wouldn't be the first or last to do so!

Swan_2

pepsi_max2k wrote: »

I know the limit before import duty / vat etc are applied is £18, I'm just wondering how strict that is? I have a couple of things I want to purchase from USA, both are coming to around £20 after shipping, I'm wondering whether it's worth the bother if it's gonna get hit with around another £10 when it gets here Do they usually just pick out the big boys and not bother with the things a few £1s over, or is everything equally up for being charged?

depending on how much of the £20 is shipping is you might be ok anyway

if the goods themselves are worth under £18 before the shipping's added on, you'll be fine, but if they're over that, you'll be charged for the value of the goods plus the shipping

that's of course if you're charged at all, not all packages are picked up, I've had many items shipped from abroad over the years with the full value declared & only ever been charged once, the luck of the draw I guess

I usually factor in an extra 20%, decide if I'm willing to pay that before buying, then if the goods arrive 'unscathed' it's a bonus

cyberbob

Swan wrote: »

that's of course if you're charged at all, not all packages are picked up, I've had many items shipped from abroad over the years with the full value declared & only ever been charged once, the luck of the draw I guess

I Buy frequently from the US from certain buyers ive not had custom charges for items under £100 in years and all are normally declared legally. I think its a bit of luck and also what the items are. I would expect to pay VAT then if you don't ae least you've saved money.

pepsi_max2k

Well it's just a couple of DVDs, comes to about £14 before shipping, so I guess with a bit of finger crossing... Thanks for the help all.

Swan_2

pepsi_max2k wrote: »

Well it's just a couple of DVDs, comes to about £14 before shipping, so I guess with a bit of finger crossing... Thanks for the help all.

you'll be fine with that

martindow

I find it depends who is dealing with the post. Stuff sent with USPS coming through Royal Mail at this end often gets through without charges. Fedex, TNT and other carriers are much more rigorous and nothing seems to slip through with them.