shipping costs from USA

toshkininny

Sorry, I really didn't know where to put this question.

I want to buy something from USA. How much can you spend for a "free" delivery, then how much do you get taxed after that - or could anybody point me in the right direction?

Thank you.

Nordictat2

This should help ya

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_001454&propertyType=document

sallysaver

Hi,
My query is also about shipping from the USA although slightly different to Toshkininny's question. Approx 4 weeks ago we bought a camcorder in Miami which isn't working correctly. Its a long story, but the salesman told us it was manufactured by Canon and had a worldwide guarantee. (Lies) After corresponding with him, he has agreed to replace the item and will ship the new goods directly to us. Will we be liable for tax.duty, VAT etc., Thanks - sally

pennylane99

It would depend on if you can prove you paid the tax/duty on the original item or not.

jinkssick

true^. make sure you have receipts and receipts if tax was paid.

isnt £38 the maximum without being taxed?

pennylane99

jinkssick wrote:

true^. make sure you have receipts and receipts if tax was paid.

isnt £38 the maximum without being taxed?

no

if you buy items while you are in US, you are allowed to bring back goods totalling value of £145 before paying tax/duty and VAT...if the amout is over this you delare the amount at customs and pay the appropriate fees.

If you buy goods from US online...you are only allowed up to the amount of £18 of goods before you have to pay tax/duty and VAT

for a camcorder...you are looking at anywhere between 4.9% and 14% for duty, and then 17.5% VAT...plus if the item is coming via Royal Mail, they may also charge a fee for clearing the item through customs.

sallysaver

Hi,
Thanks for all the replies. I have taken the comments on board re duty, VAT etc., but if it comes Fedex (or similar) are the same rules applicable. The item in question was over £145 so if there were 2 people who bought it between them (true in our case) does it automatically rise to £290. I have to say it wasn't declared to the customs which was really naughty of me, I know! Regards - sally

pennylane99

if it comes Fedex...yes it will still go through the customs/tax/VAT procedure. In fact coming that way will probably attract more attention to the customs people...

and no...you cant pool 2 peoples duty allowance together to bring in 1 item for more....

If you bring in something worth more than the limit of £145, you must pay charges on the full value, not just the value above £145.
You and anyone you are travelling with cannot pool your individual allowances to bring in an item worth more than the limit. You will have to pay charges on the full value of the item.

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD_010220&propertyType=document

sallysaver

Thanks a lot Pennylane. It looks like a case of 'be sure your sins will find you out' However, a friend of mine has just had delivered, an expensive camera, bought from Ebay in America (I wouldn't have been brave enough to bid on this kind of thing) and he paid absolutely zilch. I don't seem to carry that sort of luck! Ah well, what will be will be. Regards - Sally

pennylane99

sallysaver wrote:

Thanks a lot Pennylane. It looks like a case of 'be sure your sins will find you out' However, a friend of mine has just had delivered, an expensive camera, bought from Ebay in America (I wouldn't have been brave enough to bid on this kind of thing) and he paid absolutely zilch. I don't seem to carry that sort of luck! Ah well, what will be will be. Regards - Sally

you might be lucky and it gets through...but just be aware that you may have to pay the extra....and it would have to be paid to the courier/mail company before you get your goods.

toshkininny

Thanks for your help everyone.