Private purchase from USA

Marksfish

I am looking to purchase a, artist signed, framed print from a private seller in the USA. Cost is USD $550 + around $200 shipping. I have tried using some online calculators to see what charges I may be letting myself in for. Some sites say 0% duty but 20% VAT. Not really sure on the commodity code as there are several for what seem to be the same thing. So i'm potentially looking at another $150 in fees, does that sound right please?

I need to confirm this is a private seller (registered as such on eBay), but it is not an eBay sale, would there be much difference if it was commercial?

Thanks

se2020

No difference in the fees due between a commercial or private sale.

A commercial seller 'may' be more likely to fill out the customs forms correctly which may save you some import hassle. 

If the seller is active on ebay then a cheaper/easier way might be to ask them to list the item on ebay on a promotional fees weekend and send it using the gsp. Main advantage with that is, if it gets lost/damaged ebay tend to pay for it so neither buyer or seller are out of pocket.
If the seller inputs the dimensions/weight I would expect gsp shipping to be quite a bit less than $200.
That will help you out as the duty/vat is also payable on the shipping cost.

Regarding the amount of fees, that seems to depend on the carrier it gets delivered by.

I recently ordered a parcel that was sent via ups.
They invoiced me £75 in fees which I paid but the parcel then got lost, found again and returned to sender.
The sender has re-sent the original parcel with the same customs forms attached,  this time they have invoiced me for £115 

Unless the value of the euro has moved massively against the pound in the last couple of weeks I can't see any reason for it?
And there are no details on the invoice either.

I have had import charges from anywhere between 15% to 50% of the total (goods + shipping) so I have no idea how they work it out.
All the carriers seem to charge differently,  some charge vat and duty, some add the duty then add the vat so you pay vat on the duty charges..
Some charge a fixed amount for handling,  some have band prices, some charge a %..

I'd guess, Find a caculator on the website of the carrier you are using?

DullGreyGuy

Private or commercial seller makes no difference for importation. 

The commodity code is going to be critical both in working out if duty applies and if VAT is 5% or 20%

On top of the taxes you will also pay a clearance fee to the courier, normally this is a percentage of the taxes due with a minimum charge of £10-£15 depending on the courier chosen.

Marksfish

Thanks both. It's a bit of a minefield, this import lark. Trying my hardest not to get too stung.

Keep_pedalling

The reduced VAT for works of art may apply here.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-value-goods-for-import-vat