Import Fees/VAT on item from USA?

welshbabe88

Hi - was wondering about buying some jewellery from USA - !4.95 each or I could get three for under 30 - but the value would still be shown then as 45 on package.
Their website states - If I am outside of the USA, will I be charged a customs charge? 
As of January 6, 2021 there will be no extra customs duty or taxes for any orders outside of the USA!

But I know I ended up paying £11 one time as the imported item was shown as valued over £15 - so not sure how ti works?  Or would I be ok ordering one but not more?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

The £15 threshold has been abolished. For under £135 the retailer should now collect and pay VAT on your behalf.

It's debatable what happens if they don't. 

If you message the company to ask for their UK VAT number and they provide one then you should get the goods no problem without extra charges upon import. 

welshbabe88

Thanks very much - its so confusing!!

bris

If they don't have a UK VAT number and ready to ship to the UK, and many retailers will simply not bother  then anything you buy will be stopped at customs.

If they do then the cost will be added to the price and what you see is what you will pay (under£135) over £135 then the courier will charge you the VAT, duty (if applicable) and handling charge before they deliver.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

bris said:

If they don't have a UK VAT number and ready to ship to the UK, and many retailers will simply not bother  then anything you buy will be stopped at customs.

Do you have a source for this please?

Spank

A few EU companies have already said that they will not trade in the UK any more.

Sandtree

Companies have always had the option of pre-paying taxes and duty via the courier even before the latest UK VAT changes and given the website "if outside the USA" rather than "if in the UK" it would suggest that they have signed up to this service (DDP - delivery duty paid) and its independent of our stupid new idea.

welshbabe88

I only ask because if you are caught to pay anythign you get the Postal handling charge of £8 added on top so had to pay £11 on top of their £9 postage.  I had that back last year - but luckily the US company refunded me most of it as a goodwill gesture.

neilmcl

Spank said:

A few EU companies have already said that they will not trade in the UK any more.

Not sure how relevant this is considering the OP is discussing importing goods from the US.

Spank

neilmcl said:

Spank said:

A few EU companies have already said that they will not trade in the UK any more.

Not sure how relevant this is considering the OP is discussing importing goods from the US.

I don't know of any American companies doing that I was just saying what I've read what some European companies so it wouldn't surprise me if some US companies will do the same.

mikb

Example of American company doing this, and why -- this latest change is just nail in coffin for dealing with UK items. Forthright views, robust language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar_7Z-MzPv8