Import tax on a board game from the USA?

Mikeyorks

skater-kat wrote:

it might be cheaper if you know someone in the US who could recieve it domestic and then ship it to you as a gift

Been tried - and failed - many times.

You still pay VAT on a gift from outside the EU if over £40. Fake the Declaration and you're likely to lose the lot.

Scarpacci

If you have any control over the courier, I'd suggest DHL are better for consumers importing the occasional product. They will add a fee of £1.25, which is nothing compared to Royal Mail's £8 or Parcel Force's £16 (I think). I don't think any of the other couriers are as cheap as DHL.

ianpwilliams

I would suggest not, but I could mention it to them.

custardy

or do the clearence yourself for free
however it will take a lot longer

ianpwilliams

I've just thought of another cost (£90 for game, shipping, import tax/duty so far). Presumably I would also have to pay for the currency conversion. Does anyone know how that is calculated?

dzug1

ianpwilliams wrote: »

I've just thought of another cost (£90 for game, shipping, import tax/duty so far). Presumably I would also have to pay for the currency conversion. Does anyone know how that is calculated?

Assuming you pay by credit card, then the card company sets it. Varies from nothing to around 3% depending what card you use. A few debit cards add a £1.50 or £2 fee on top of that.

ianpwilliams

Ok, so probably up to £5 extra. Thanks.

DAVEMAC_2

20% import duty - plus a fee for the carrier to clear the goods on your behalf - expect a further £13 for this - by the way if you are a business and sell the goods on then, you can claim all funds back - If you are not a business then, pay it

ianpwilliams

So it could be something like this?

£42.69 - the board game
£25.64 - shipping
£2.59 - handling fee
£13.95 - Import duty
£13 - carrier clearance fee
£2 - credit card currenty conversion fee

£86.87 - TOTAL

vax2002

In other more "common sense" countries, they charge the exporter the import tax, not the consumer, it protects jobs.