Customs fees - buying from USA

[Deleted User]

Buying something from USA and seller is putting value as $135.

My understanding is that the customs limit for gifts is £40. So question is:-

1. Does every parcel incoming get VAT/other fees charged or is it just unlucky if yours gets caught?

2. What would I be liable on this? VAT on total above £40? VAT on total amount?

3. Any other potential charges?

RFW

I'd say it depends on how it's sent and how big it is will see a charge.

You will have to expect it though. You have to pay tax based on the item, someone will be along with a link to how you can work it out. There's also a post/courier handling fee to pay if tax is to be paid.

As a guide it usually ends up working out the same in pounds as it is in dollars, so expect to end up having paid in total with delivery and tax £135. That's just how I do it and surprisingly it ends up being right most of the time, it's sometimes a bit less.

[Deleted User]

Since found out.

Assuming its marked as a gift - no charge for up to £40 value. If its over £40 less than £135 then its 20% VAT. Over this theres customs charges as well.

Unfortunately, even if its £41 theres 20% on the whole lot.

And yes, admin fee is about £10 or so.

But still not sure if EVERY parcel gets caught or just some?

Hammer_Slammer

Some get caught,some dont.Bought something from the usa in june and expecting a hefty custom charge and so far nothing from fedex.

To avoid custom charges 99.9% of the time is to get it marked as a gift with a lower value stated, but most usa seller wont do that due to insurance claims if it gets lost or damaged.

Chuddles

Not every package will be caught it depends on the wording of the desciption when posted and the stated value to the courier.

Theres an office of people flicking through each import and pulling out those that arent gifts so they can calculate the VAT & Duty liable. The duty % depends on which tariff code is used for the item, again worked off the description given. E.g. Books 0%, textiles/clothing 40%