What would be the additional charges for ordering an item online from france?

GervisLooper

I saw that this subforum also lists post and parcels however it was unclear whether it means post and parcels pertaining to online selling only or if general post and parcel queries go here too. So posting here and please let me know if the former is the case rather than the latter.

I want a specialist keyboard which is made in the states and has a reseller in france.

I am wondering which would be cheaper, to buy from the states or to buy from france.

I am not sure of what the additional charges are in either case as I am just used to ordering domestic.

I did read a snotty review though regarding the company complaining the buyer had to pay french vat when the site said they did not.

So I am wondering will I have to pay french as well as UK vat and also will I have to pay customs charges?

The item is listed at 139 euros. Not sure of shipping costs yet as you have to make an account before you can see those. I have sent a support query asking the estimated charges to UK.

[Deleted User]

You'll incur costs from either place, i'd definitely be prepared for the all the tax/duties, look at the govt website for the taxes etc payable when importing goods to yourself.

DullGreyGuy

GervisLooper said:

The item is listed at 139 euros. Not sure of shipping costs yet as you have to make an account before you can see those. I have sent a support query asking the estimated charges to UK.

You need to know P&P as if the total parcel is under £135 then you pay UK VAT to the merchant whereas if its over £135 you will pay duty (probably 2.5%), VAT (20%) and a clearing fee (guesstimate £15) 

The original country of origin impacts the import duty and so buy from the US or France should be the same subject to pricing and P&P. 

In France, same as the UK and the rest of Europe, French VAT would be charged at 0% for anything leaving the EU. 

As with all things tax, not every company knows what the rules are and so mistakes (in your favour or not) are made

GervisLooper

DullGreyGuy said:

GervisLooper said:

The item is listed at 139 euros. Not sure of shipping costs yet as you have to make an account before you can see those. I have sent a support query asking the estimated charges to UK.

You need to know P&P as if the total parcel is under £135 then you pay UK VAT to the merchant whereas if its over £135 you will pay duty (probably 2.5%), VAT (20%) and a clearing fee (guesstimate £15) 

The original country of origin impacts the import duty and so buy from the US or France should be the same subject to pricing and P&P. 

In France, same as the UK and the rest of Europe, French VAT would be charged at 0% for anything leaving the EU. 

As with all things tax, not every company knows what the rules are and so mistakes (in your favour or not) are made

Well the french company is out as they replied saying they no longer send items since brexit.

prettyandfluffy

GervisLooper said:

Well the french company is out as they replied saying they no longer send items since brexit.

There are plenty of international mail forwarding companies, just Google "Mail forwarding France to U.K.".  The service gives you a French postal address and they will forward the item to you from there.  Be aware that it isn't cheap but depending on how badly you want the item, it can be worth it.  Compare services and costs carefully before committing to a service as it can vary a lot.

DullGreyGuy

prettyandfluffy said:

GervisLooper said:

Well the french company is out as they replied saying they no longer send items since brexit.

There are plenty of international mail forwarding companies, just Google "Mail forwarding France to U.K.".  The service gives you a French postal address and they will forward the item to you from there.  Be aware that it isn't cheap but depending on how badly you want the item, it can be worth it.  Compare services and costs carefully before committing to a service as it can vary a lot.

It will also mean you are paying both French and UK VAT.