Buying children's clothes from USA

WorldTraveller_2

I've just ordered a couple of t shirts for my children from the USA - not something I'd normally do but these are one-off limited editions of something they're both big fans of. The value of the t shirts plus shipping comes to around £38. That should mean that I'll have to pay import VAT on them. I'm wondering though whether the fact that they're children's sizes will make them exempt so I don't have to pay anything. Also what will happen if there are charges payable, do I get something through the post from Royal Mail asking me to pay, and when I pay would the parcel then be sent straight on to my home address or would I have to collect it at a Royal Mail depot? I've never ordered from other countries before so I'm unsure about the process.

Westin

I think you might wish to repost your question in another forum.

This is one is a rather old and now largely irrelevant thread on a failed currency exchange operation.

heatherw_01

Hi, we move threads if we think they!!!8217;ll get more help elsewhere (please read the forum rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board. If you have any questions about this policy please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.

quoia

It's quite possible the Royal Mail will bring it to your door and ask you to pay the duty or VAT due on it before handing it over

In addition to the duty or VAT liable, you will be charged a £8 handling fee by and for this service provided by the RM in collecting these monies due to Customs & Excise

quoia

https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/143/

robin58

Read through this guide

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users/notice-143-a-guide-for-international-post-users#postal-packages-imported-arriving-from-countries-outside-the-eu

Plus read the guidance from quoia if you receive a grey card.

DigForVictory

Children's clothes 0% VAT but still import duty & (joys) postage charges
"Youthwear" subject to VAT as well as import duties & (Still joys) postage charges.

About the only upside of buying American is their sizing which is frankly generous.

WorldTraveller_2

Thanks everyone, will just have to see what happens (it's being dispatched at the end of this month so will find out in a few weeks). It's a one-off so if I pay some fees it's not the end of the world, but obviously the less it is the better.

WorldTraveller_2

Well I received the parcel straight to my door with no extra payments of any type required, and it only took two days to arrive from the States, great service! Sizes are ok as it had measurements on the website so I based it on the measurements of t shirts my children already have.