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Customs/import duty on Camera bought from France

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Hi All - I am looking to buy a secondhand camera body from a company based in France. The price is around £4,000 and they say that Vat + shipping is included.
Are there any more charges incurred i have found it difficult to ascertain whether there is any import duty (UK) for such an item. As far as i can ascertain there is not. Just don't want to be hit with a 20% charge on this item. Does anyone know the current situation with this or where i can find out?
Thanks in advance

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  • eskbanker
    eskbanker Posts: 37,037 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Hi All - I am looking to buy a secondhand camera body from a company based in France. The price is around £4,000 and they say that Vat + shipping is included.
    Are there any more charges incurred i have found it difficult to ascertain whether there is any import duty (UK) for such an item. As far as i can ascertain there is not. Just don't want to be hit with a 20% charge on this item. Does anyone know the current situation with this or where i can find out?
    Thanks in advance
    Customs Duty?

    https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty
  • Bookworm105
    Bookworm105 Posts: 2,016 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    i would get the French to confirm in writing that the "Vat" they refer to includes UK Vat and import duty 
    I'd be surprised if they will but if you don't ask...

  • longleggings123
    longleggings123 Posts: 10 Forumite
    Third Anniversary First Post
    Thanks BW i have tried contacting them with no reply. I assumed that the Vat would be UK Vat, i wasnt aware that VAT would be applied twice at both ends. Guess i can try again
  • flaneurs_lobster
    flaneurs_lobster Posts: 6,467 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Given the cost of the thing I would be so tempted to just travel and pick it up...........
  • longleggings123
    longleggings123 Posts: 10 Forumite
    Third Anniversary First Post
    Yes that might be the best option
  • eskbanker
    eskbanker Posts: 37,037 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Given the cost of the thing I would be so tempted to just travel and pick it up...........
    Yes that might be the best option
    There'd still be duties to pay though:

    https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use
  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 22,427 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    edited 27 March at 2:21PM
    Given the cost of the thing I would be so tempted to just travel and pick it up...........
    It still needs to be declatef at customs on arrival in UK.


    You are allowed to bring in goods uo to the value of £390 without  paying customs duty. 
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