Customs Duty and Import VAT - bit of a newbie

Princess_x

I recently decided to become a sole trader and import goods from abroad (China mainly) to sell on in the UK. I know I have to pay Customs Duty and import VAT, but how do I go about paying this? The sender has incorrectly stated that the goods are a gift, and by the time I realised about import VAT and customs, the items had already been dispatched. I want to do everything right and pay the charges, I just don't know how to pay the charges. When I look on the HMRC website, it says to pay the charges when the goods arrive in the UK but before they're delivered but doesn't state anywhere how I'd go about doing this.

Also, in terms of registering as self employed, do I have to register now that I've started to import stuff? Or do I register when I start to sell stuff?

Thanks in advance.

soolin

It never hurts to tell HMRC nice and early about your business as they are often very helpful and can offer all sorts of advice and support.

Any duty or tax payable on arrival in the Uk will be charged to you , how that is done depends on who is bringing it in. Some people charge before they deliver and others send a bill afterwards.

As for re sellling in the uK- I hope none of this is branded as it is all likely to be fake- just look at the incredibly cheap prices that the Far east sellers can sell for on ebay. I do buy from the Far east but avoid all clothing (incredibly small sizing) and anything electrical or with a brand name.

Princess_x

soolin wrote: »

It never hurts to tell HMRC nice and early about your business as they are often very helpful and can offer all sorts of advice and support.

Any duty or tax payable on arrival in the Uk will be charged to you , how that is done depends on who is bringing it in. Some people charge before they deliver and others send a bill afterwards.

As for re sellling in the uK- I hope none of this is branded as it is all likely to be fake- just look at the incredibly cheap prices that the Far east sellers can sell for on ebay. I do buy from the Far east but avoid all clothing (incredibly small sizing) and anything electrical or with a brand name.

Thanks for your help.

And no, none of it is branded. I know quite a lot of people involved in deception regarding branded goods, don't think I'd ever go that far just to gain profit.

InsideInsurance

You can call HMRCs helpline on 0845 010 9000 to find out but I am sure the operator you speak to will be very confused by someone wanting to pay taxes on something that has "slipped through the net". Alternatively looking at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/paying-tax.htm it suggests there may be a telephone number on the HMRC sticker (though this may not be the case if there was no charge applied)