Buying from USA

chrispy

Hi

Sorry if this is not in the right place. I am looking to purchase some ski wear from the US and have it sent to me via UPS, total price around £250.00. Could anyone advise me on import duties, how much it will cost and if I can get around it some how, perhaps by saying the items are gifts for example.

Cheers Guys

woohoo_postingid

Saying they are gifts can be a bit risky. I believe the import limit is around £115ish but someone will know better soon

Fullspizz

Afaik, clothing attracts a higher duty rate than most other goods due to the US being in breach of some kind of trading reg. I think it is about 15%.
So, if it is ski clothing, you would be looking at £250+15% then you pay vat on top of all that. ( you pay import duty on the total cost inc postage)
Coming via UPS you have little or no chance of avoiding import tax. Goods to the value of £18 are allowed in via postage without attracting duty and your personal allowance if you travel back is £145. Best way would be to try and get it sent USPS. Customs are not daft and they know that people are trying to get around impost tax by reducing the price of the goods, if you get caught they don't look kindly on it.

susank

Getting someone to send it as a birthday gift maybe!! I got some stuff from New Zealand and was caught with a wool duvet for vat but the two pillows were sent seperately and were not subject to vat at all as gifts!! IFSWIM - large parcels will be looked at more thoroughly.