Need to buy computer hardware from the US will i be charged customs tax?

kleinsherry

Hi i need to buy something for my computer from America as it is not being sold in the UK. It retails for $60/£32 and is $70 incl shipping.
I would like to know if i am going to be charged Customs for this item? I don't think so but i would just like to know for sure if i am i may not buy it.
Thanks

superscaper

It's over the threshold to be liable for VAT at 17.5%. As for customs duty that depends on what it is and how lucky or unlucky you are. As an example a digital camera would have zero customs duty whereas a digital camcorder could have up to 14% duty, which is in addition to the VAT. I think a lot whill depend on how it is labelled for postage as well as just plain randomness.

BusinessStudent

Are you buying the item from a seller from eBay USA? - Although, illegal some sellers mark items as 'gifts' which means the sellers do not always have to pay a tax - although as i say it is illegal.

kleinsherry

Thanks for your help i would be buying the item from a US online website that does worldwide shipping. I am buying a webcam that is not available in the UK.

Toxteth_OGrady

Wow - only $10 for International S&H. Which website?

:cool:

TOG

kleinsherry

Hi this is the website
http://www.ecamm.com/

Toxteth_OGrady wrote: »

Wow - only $10 for International S&H. Which website?

:cool:

TOG

superscaper

kleinsherry wrote: »

Thanks for your help i would be buying the item from a US online website that does worldwide shipping. I am buying a webcam that is not available in the UK.

For a webcam it is standard 17.5% VAT and 4.9% Customs Duty.

Mobeer

As I understand it there are two charges, both of which you would have to pay for a purchase over £18 from the US:

If you spend over £7 on an item from outside the EU you have to pay Customs Duty.
If you spend over £18 on an item from outside the UK you have to pay VAT.

The rates you have to pay vary, for examples see:
HM Revenue & Customs
Note though that this describes categories, not actual goods. For example, an iPod might be described as a USB mas storage device by one retailer and as a video player by another. This can they affect the tax charged.


But, though you should pay tax, there is a good chance that you won't. The system of collecting tax depends upon your package being inspected by Customs and your local postman stopping to ask for payment. I have never been asked for any tax payment.

superscaper

Mobeer wrote: »

Note though that this describes categories, not actual goods. For example, an iPod might be described as a USB mas storage device by one retailer and as a video player by another. This can they affect the tax charged.

Although they do specify a category for web-cams as per my earlier post.