Importing From Spain / Elsewhere

trills

Hi,
We're currently looking to make a wholesale order of footwear from a manufacturer in Spain, and were told that would we would have a pay 16-17% Spanish tax or somesuch on the order. Are they referring to import duty? Would there be import duty payable on this order?

Quite a few of our potential suppliers are based in the EU, mainly clothing suppliers. I wasn't sure if you had to pay any VAT when importing from the EU, or of any applicable import duty. We were also looking at footwear from the USA.

I've just tried reading the FAQ Import and Export document on the HMRC but my brains are feeling scrambled at the moment.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

System

I've used wholesalers before from Europe & beyond, and yes, you are taxed 17.5% on the net cost of orders. This is import duty. Also may pay extra custom fees, depending on where it was ordered from, what the item is, and how much the order cost you. (reference: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/)

Usually you'll pay this to the courier once the item(s) arrives. You should always do background checks so you know what to expect, and check the order before you sign for it/pay the fees.

Edit: this may help - http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarchap?Lang=EN

trills

Thanks

candyflossing wrote: »

Also may pay extra custom fees, depending on where it was ordered from, what the item is, and how much the order cost you.

We've paid customs "handling" charges before now on personal purchases, I assume this will be much the same? Plus an annoying Parcelforce fee levied on top.

candyflossing wrote: »

Edit: this may help - http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/cgi-bin/tarchap?Lang=EN

Website looks like it could be useful, if I could get it to work. I keep getting the error "Be more precise in entered taric code" when I try and view the rate, despite browsing and getting the code from their list

System

Yes, personal purchases are exactly the same, unless the item is below a certain amount (£36?) or the exporter marks the item as a 'gift'.

I just tried checking the TARIC for footwear to Spain, but am geting the same error message. I'd suggest you call/email HM and explain the situation. I know what you mean about their website - it doesn't appear to give any straight figures!

martindow

If you are importing from the EC you normally pay the local VAT (the 16-17 per cent you have been quoted) and there will be no import duty or UK VAT charges when it comes to you. There should not be an additional charge from the carrier either as there is no customs clearance needed.

There is an exception for the EC if you are VAT registered when you can send your UK VAT number to the supplier who will then send it to you with no VAT, Spanish or UK.

From the USA and anywhere else not in the EC you pay duty on some things, UK VAT on the total cost (goods plus carriage) and a fee from your carrier for customs clearance. Normally you can reckon on an extra 20 -25 per cent. Sometimes things get through without charges - treat this as a bonus and don't bank on it happening!



The charges mentioned in posts above are for countries outside the EC. If you want reassurance give the HMRC a call on 02920 501 261 - they are very helpful.