how to calculate import duty/custom charge

sanova76

Hi, 
Does anyone know how import duty/custom charge calculated?  I bought some cds from South Korea.  The total with s/h is US$70.00.  When I tried to calculate using the online calculator (https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/), it says I need to pay $74 in Duty&Tax charges.  When the package arrived, the actual charge is £23.10.  I was wondering how they're actually calculated for future reference/purchase.

Please advise.

Many thanks. 

San

theonlywayisup

The percentage is based on the item price plus postage.  Then the fee.

mattyprice4004

Did you select UK as the import country? Getting an answer in dollars suggests not. 

The answer is around 24% (assuming VAT and duty are due) plus an admin fee of usually between £8 and £20 depending on the courier. 

Keep_pedalling

The $74 is the total price cost of item plus VAT (import duty on CDs is 0%) The charge for VAT is listed separately. You can set the cost in USD and the import cost in GBP to make life easier for you.

What this calculator does not include is any charge levied by the U.K. delivery company for carrying out customs clearance, which is £8 for RM usually more for other carriers.

sanova76

Thanks for the replies.  So for example if total is $70 (goods + s/h), if I convert it to £50 (for easy calculation).  I need to pay £10 import VAT ( assuming it's 20%) plus brokerage charges which is £11.50 (UPS), my total charges will be £21.50?