Importing goods USA to UK, Self-Declaration VAT via UPS?

chaotic_j

Hi,

Keeping it short, but sweet. I'd potentially like to import an item from the USA to the UK.

The item in question is a tabletop vice for holding circuit boards costing roughly £67 GBP.

The shipping would be free, i.e. I wouldn't be paying, the company I'd be buying the item from would.

They ship via UPS and I'm aware such private delivery companies often have high "handling" / customs clearance fees, so I'm wondering how one would go about self-declaration of the goods?

I'm led to believe since the total is below £100, no customs would be due, just VAT @ 20% on the element of the purchase above £18 i.e. £49 so around £9.80 in VAT.

Any advice here? I've been looking on the Internet for quite some time for help, but nothing much as yet.

Cheers!

Mikeyorks

I'm not aware you can 'self declare' .... unless you're in business as an importer. The VAT etc has to be paid before the goods are delivered to you. Which is why UPS etc levy a handling charge.

Equally my understanding is that VAT is charged on the entity - not the value above £18 equivalent?

Fairly well covered here?

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/paying-tax.htm