Import Duty from the US?

Sybarite

I want to buy a laser level from the US - have found a buyer who looks trustworthy and whose P&P is reasonable.

They've stated quite clearly that they can't be responsible for import/customs duty when the article reaches this country, which is fair enough.

Does anyone know when import fees start to be applied for such purchases? I think that the item will sell for a maximum of $30.

Thanks for any assistance.

drstonk

Get them to put gift on the customs dec

fatboyonadiet

Check the customs website, but basically you're allowed upto £18

criminal_smile

Are there any reliefs from Duty and VAT?

Yes, they include:
Goods of £18 or less in value (excluding postage, packing and other miscellaneous costs) this does not include alcohol, tobacco products, perfume or toilet waters.

As you will have to pay postage as well on this laser level, it could bring you up above the £18.00 limit. If this is the case, work it out as below.

TOTAL cost of item (incl p&p) is figure (a).

IMPORT DUTY:
Approx 3.5% of figure (a),This is figure (b).

Add figure (a) to figure (b), and this gives you figure (c).

VAT:
Vat is charged at 17.5% of figure (c). This gives you figure (d)

Now add figures (b) and (d) together. This is the total amount of IMPORT DUTY and VAT.


Add together (c) and (d), and add on £1.25 Admin fee. This is the total cost to you the consumer.

HTH

just realised how confusing this looks....sorry

Hintza

At $30 you will be fine.

£18 is the limit but Cutoms use an old exchange rate so you need to be a wee bit careful.

My advice is do not use couriers they willtry and charge you for everything!!

Try to use USPS Priority or Global Express Mail both fast and reliable.

Criminal_smile above is technically correct but in my experience they do not take into account the P+P charge when calculating the VAT applicable and do not tend to charge import duty.

In effect you would probably have to pay VAT plus a £4 (not the £1.25 quoted above) clearance fee if you breech about $32-£33.50. I am very particular on what or how I bid if an item is in this price band.

If customs take an interest in you they will stop everything for a period but if your paperwork is up to scratch they will eventually leave you alone.

As for gifts the limit is significantly higher but if you get caught ...??? And buying on EBay can hardly be classified as a gift.

criminal_smile

Glad Hintza stepped in there.
Always better to take advice from someonewho uses the system on a regular basis. I got my info from a customs website a few weeks ago to import a guitar from the States. Glad I'd checked, as it added over £100 to the price.

Hintza

One that made me cry.....


Bought a pram in the US postage cost me $97 which the seller added to the invoice and declared on customs notice...arghhh

So paid an extra £10 in VAT ...that did hurt...lol