We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Have I been charged too much on import duty fees?
icicat
Posts: 243 Forumite
in Cutting tax
Hello all,
I bought an item off a friend in the US. Declared value was $250. Postage came to $17.85 for a total of $267.85 which in GBP roughly works out as £226.66.
To my complete shock the total customs charge was £85.28!? I have imported much more expensive items from the US and the total import fee was less, so I wasn't expecting this amount.
To break it down it works out as:
Import Duty: £26.98
VAT: 50.32
Royal Mail Handling fee: £8
Does this seem to check out? Maybe it's the VAT. I've never been charged VAT on a second hand item before.
I bought an item off a friend in the US. Declared value was $250. Postage came to $17.85 for a total of $267.85 which in GBP roughly works out as £226.66.
To my complete shock the total customs charge was £85.28!? I have imported much more expensive items from the US and the total import fee was less, so I wasn't expecting this amount.
To break it down it works out as:
Import Duty: £26.98
VAT: 50.32
Royal Mail Handling fee: £8
Does this seem to check out? Maybe it's the VAT. I've never been charged VAT on a second hand item before.
0
Comments
-
Also to note he marked it as 'merchandise' does that make a huge difference?0
-
VAT is also levied on import duty so sounds about right."Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius1
-
Only second hand articles that are antiques or works of art are VAT free.1
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.6K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.5K Spending & Discounts
- 247.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.5K Life & Family
- 261.8K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards