Tips for importing from Japan?

Mrs_Money

DH seems to have made a contact in a reputable Japanese manufacturing firm - only by email as yet, but sounds promising. We have a business idea and wondered what needs to be done when importing goods from Japan - I had a look at a similar post on here (but was from China) and have had a look at the relevant Business Link web pages (I found them a bit generalised - so didn't help much).

What are the drawbacks? I'm assuming we have to pay VAT on items - but how? We would use a carrier to our door - but then we have to pay import duties as well - but how?
Sorry if this all seems a bit of a silly question...but really need some guidance from someone who does it!

martindow

You will have to pay VAT on the value of the goods and on the carriage cost. There may be duty payable dependant on the goods. Phone the commodity code help line 01702 366077 who can give you the commodity code and the rate of duty. I get the sender to put this code on the waybill to help it through customs. The carrier will charge about 20 pounds to organise customs clearance for you. Some companies invoice and require payment before delivery, others invoice later.

This only applies to carriers delivering to your door. If the item is shipped to a quayside or airport in the UK the shipping cost will be much less, but there will be many more fees to be paid.