Customs charges from Japan

Killerseven

I bought a new camera from Japan. It was sent recorded and I have been tracking it, now its says awaiting customs charges.

Do you have to pay customs charges for a camera from Japan.

jeffuk

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/
Hope this helps.

jeffuk

From the above website. Camera is duty free and a has a VAT rate of 20%.

The VAT is calculated on the cost of item+shipping cost+insurance. Courier will add their charge (£10ish) on top of that.

jeffuk

Not all parcels are checked so you may be lucky and only have to pay the courier fee. Good luck.

Killerseven

Its not a new camera, it is a used one, will there still be all those charges?

How can I dispute it please? If they try and claim its a new camera?

When they deliver it and say this needs to be paid, can I say no I would like to dispute those charges?

Killerseven

At the moment when I check tracking it still says waiting customs charges.

Is there anyone I can ring in customs with my tracking number?

Brooker_Dave

Killerseven wrote: »

When they deliver it and say this needs to be paid, can I say no I would like to dispute those charges?

You have to pay up before they deliver it, they'll be the VAT, some EU Vat transport charge and a fee.

How much was the camera?

martindow

Killerseven wrote: »

How can I dispute it please? If they try and claim its a new camera?

When they deliver it and say this needs to be paid, can I say no I would like to dispute those charges?

The sender should have declared it at its actual value. If it's checked by customs and a stupid value has been declared they will decide on a value. As long as the sender has not declared a £1000 camera at £5 it should be fine.

Some carriers want payment up front and then deliver, others deliver and then invoice.

You pay the carrier, not HMRC directly, so you need to contact them if you need to settle before delivery. You can only dispute it if there is a clear error - for instance if the value declared is in Yen and the carrier has taken that value as being in Pounds.

NorthFin

What would happen if the reciever refused to pay?

Is it either 1. Returned to sender, or 2. Customs people keep it.

Or is there any other option?

martindow

NorthFin wrote: »

What would happen if the reciever refused to pay?

Is it either 1. Returned to sender, or 2. Customs people keep it.

Or is there any other option?

Or 3 the delivery company delivers and then invoices you. They have the option of chasing you through the courts.

RFW

Killerseven wrote: »

Its not a new camera, it is a used one, will there still be all those charges?

How can I dispute it please? If they try and claim its a new camera?

When they deliver it and say this needs to be paid, can I say no I would like to dispute those charges?

New or old only makes a difference to VAT if it is within the UK, so you wouldn't pay VAT on a second hand camera but would on a new one. Totally irrelevant to this.

From your opening post, the courier wants paying or you don't get the camera. You can try and appeal after the event if you believe you were incorrectly charged.

Some couriers ask for payment before sending the goods and some send the goods then invoice for them.

If your only info is from tracking then you'll need to contact the courier or wait for them to contact you. Tracking isn't always accurate with every detail.