Is VAT payable when buying vitamins from USA website ???

Lola_2016

I would like to know if VAT is payable by UK consumers vitamins and food bought on US websites?
I have been told there is a threshold below which NO VAT is payable by the consumer, and above which VAT becomes payable.

booksurr

google?
https://www.dutycalculator.com/country-guides/Import-duty-taxes-when-importing-into-the-United-Kingdom/

contact HMRC?
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/customs-international-trade-and-excise-enquiries

MichelleUK

Lola_2016 wrote: »

I would like to know if VAT is payable by UK consumers vitamins and food bought on US websites?
I have been told there is a threshold below which NO VAT is payable by the consumer, and above which VAT becomes payable.

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

Be aware that the Royal Mail will also add on a whopping handling fee of £8 if it is coming by post.

Aquamania

Lola_2016 wrote: »

I would like to know if VAT is payable by UK consumers vitamins and food bought on US websites?
I have been told there is a threshold below which NO VAT is payable by the consumer, and above which VAT becomes payable.

What type of food are you hoping to buy from the US?

Are you sure it won't be simpler & cheaper to buy food from your local supermarket? (They have bigger buying power than you and can pass on those savings to you)

Most food for human consumption is zero rated for VAT, although there are some exceptions such as confectionery, ice-cream, savoury snacks, etc

However, there are strict rules about importing some foodstuffs into the UK, particularly from outside the EU

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/imports

Vitamins are usually subject to standard rate VAT as it is not considered a food.