Import duty ???
Turbo Mini Forums

Anyone imported any engine/tuning/electronic parts from the USA recently ?

I've worked out I'll have to pay import duty as well as VAT and a carrier/customs handling charge but I can't figure out the import duty rate.

I've tried using the "TARIC" tables http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/tarhome_en.htm
but it's a nightmare.

So anyone with recent experienece please !!!

Rod.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

ask the company to place GIFT on the package if they will? and gift wrap it
that way you pay nothing!

if thay wont ask them to cost the goods at a lower rate, most do!

doesent the goverment get enough! ...................

Edited by BENROSS on 30th Dec, 2007.

Thanks Benross,
Unfortunately both the companies I'm looking at make it clear in their T&Cs that they won't put "gift" on the form.
I agree the goverment get enough - more than enough - it's imoral that I'm taxed once when I earn it, taxed a second time if I save it and taxed a third time if there's any left when I die... (rant over)
From memory when I worked in the USA a while ago and sent things home, the entry on the USA form was a simple description and the code/rate got interpretted in the UK (and the recepient got to argue about it after the event) so that's why I'm interested in anyone's recent experience !!!

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

i've had things posted, never paid anything...

hit and miss,

some stuff slips through some dosen't. seems if its a small package with not to much stuff it will get through, mau just be coincedence though.

On 30th of Dec, 2007 at 12:02pm BENROSS said:
ask the company to place GIFT on the package if they will? and gift wrap it
that way you pay nothing!

if thay wont ask them to cost the goods at a lower rate, most do!

doesent the goverment get enough! ...................

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Pretty sure basic rule is
cost of goods
+shipping
+import duty (usually not that high)
then VAT on the top.

Still works out way cheaper to shop in the states at the moment on lots of stuff, Best value is us made goods.

when i ship things outside the uk the chaps on the other end NEVER complain about extra TAX etc........ they pay nothing!!!!
its here in the uk ...... greedy goverment

think for a few mins how many TAXES we pay here ... thats why no ones got any money in their back pocket ... there pissed off and dont know what ales them ....... i know.,......... TAXES!
Did Know you even pay V.A.T on a grave stone in the uk,, how sads that ........rant over gents

Edited by BENROSS on 30th Dec, 2007.

Agreed it should be way cheaper but I just want to be sure... VAT is the killer but the import duty seems so random when you look at the "TARIC" tables that I just want to be sure rather than enter a lengthy argument with HMRC whilst they hold my bits....

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

Sorry Benross, my post jumped yours over Mirage.
I agree entirely with your sentiments about UK (or is it EU) tax, I just want to know how the "rules" will screw me !!!

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

And did ya know....

The USA and Australia have some sort of free trade agreement. So they can ship goods to and from without having to pay duties.

Why cant we have the same....with anywhere !!!!!!!!!!

Our government are greedy robbing bastards, and give nothing in return.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

I thought that any item that is imported as a "replacement" will not be liable to tax either? Always worked for me.

Out of interest, a reply back from one of the USA suppliers..

-----Original Message-----
From: Glen Hoag [mailto:glen@glensgarage.com]
Sent: 30 December 2007 13:52
To: Rod Sugden
Subject: Re: Enquiry from Glen's Garage


Rod,
I put the description "Electronic Hobby Kit". In
my experience, duty has not been charged; only
the 17.5% import VAT and a £5 Customs clearing
fee. These costs will be collected at delivery by Parcelforce.

--Glen

At 06:42 AM 12/30/2007, you wrote:

>Hi,
>For international shipping (to the UK) I know
>you will put the sale cost and shipping cost on
>the customs form, but what do you put as
>"description" ??? Item I am considering buying is the MS II ECU KIT (V3.0)
>Obviously NOT gift, but what description do you
>use for the kits so I can try and work out from
>the EU tables what import duty rate I will be charged at !!!
>Thanks,
>Rod.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

(Double post deleted, but why? - what am I doing wrong?)

Edited by Rod S on 30th Dec, 2007.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

no shite just been done twice myself, I couldn't believe that you pay it on top of the insurance.. just so they get the most money.. the cheaper the itme is listed the less you pay.. but on a £400 supercharger kit I paid another £100 in Tax just doesn't seem a fair amount.

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

Hmm...
Tax on the tax on top of the tax on the tax on top of the tax....
I feel another rant coming on....

Or just get myself an airline ticket to the USA and put the stuff in my suitcase - I used to fly there regularly, even worked there for a while, and always went through the red chanel on the way back, whatever I had, and never got charged (too much paperwork?).

Rod.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

its the same....even purchases brought back as hand luggage are liable for duty



but there is usually ways around most problems to a degree, although obviously each carries its own risks.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

parcel force charge is now £8 I'm not sure how you get around this as you are paying them to pay tax... there must be an option to self declare ?

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

dont use parcel force !!!

Ive found that UPS/DHL/FedeX etc dont charge as much on the handling fees.
Although you pay more for the shipping.

IMO UPS are cunts who try and rob you every time by calculating the duty incorrectly, and you dont get your goods until you pay up. Which can be a nightmare when there is a dispute.

FedEx used to be excellent, and sent the bill for duty afterwards. But now they are a useless shower if shites and want the money up front too, and their parcels dont arrive when they are supposed to.

DHL still seem to send the bill afterwards...so at the minute, Im saying they are good lol

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

whe n i brought over the fi in 1990 , it was 10 percent on the value then vat on that then up bloody s ,stick on 60 quid brokerage fee for the truoble of putting it through customs !!!!!
and they do the dsame in usa to canada stuff ,avoid ups like the plague ,fed ex charged no brokerage to canada at all ,but i dont know what they charge to the uk .

Medusa + injection = too much torque for the dyno ..https://youtu.be/qg5o0_tJxYM

if your flying back from the US, the best time to come back is either early or late and to a small airport. they can never be arsed to stop anybody then!

I've been to the states 3 times this year and going again on thursday, always brought odds and sods home.

The allowable limit for bringing stuff back from the US personally is quite high anyway (can't remember the exact figure) but I've allways come back when it's busy and gone through the red channel, told them what I've got - I've never been way over the limit - but (so far) I've just been waved through after I've told them. They seem to want to get back to "monitoring" people in the green channel for the potential "big catch" (ie, big fines, not just duty) rather than doing the paperwork for a small amount of duty from me.
I just don't have an excuse to go to the US at the moment......

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???

its only about £100 or the like, it isnt as much as you think

Currently £145 (from HMRC customs web site, can post link, too long...) but that's £145 of "other goods" on top of your normal ciggies, alcohol and perfume allowance.
I'm sure it was more (£180?) last time I used it and the red channel but my memory isn't that good...

PS - enjoy your trip Thursday....

Edited by Rod S on 31st Dec, 2007.

Schrödinger's cat - so which one am I ???