Purchasing goods from the USA

DomT
DomT Posts: 648
edited November 2007 in Workshop
Is there a limit to how much I can spend before I get taxed by Customs & Excise?

Comments

  • Gav2000
    Gav2000 Posts: 408
    I think any item over about £18 which you buy mail order is liable to VAT if the Post Office / courier wishes to pursue it. If you go abroad and bring an item back it's a more, I came through customs a couple of weeks ago and read the info board while waiting for my luggage, I think it was about £350 of personal items and gifts.

    I'm sure there's a customs and excise website to give the exact details.

    Gav.
    Gav2000

    Like a streak of lightnin' flashin' cross the sky,
    Like the swiftest arrow whizzin' from a bow,
    Like a mighty cannonball he seems to fly.
    You'll hear about him ever'where you go.
  • DomT
    DomT Posts: 648
    Thanks Gav, just done my maths and it doesn't look as though I'm going to make much of a saving in the end, oh well... I guess I'll wait till next spring, the Dollar doesn't look as though it will strengthen by then!
  • Mog Uk
    Mog Uk Posts: 964
    What is it your looking to buy... ?

    I've purchased several things from the States and never got stung, the size of the item and the way it is packaged tends to help.. I saved about £120 on my Garmin 305 when that was released :D

    It's very much a case of 'You pays your money and takes your chances'
    Manchester Wheelers' Club
  • Gav2000
    Gav2000 Posts: 408
    I've done the calculations a few times and concluded that the savings are actually quite small and not worth the reduced security/warranty of an overseas purchase.

    However, it might be tempting to buy a bike while in the US, use it for a cycling trip while over there and then bring it back.

    Gav.
    Gav2000

    Like a streak of lightnin' flashin' cross the sky,
    Like the swiftest arrow whizzin' from a bow,
    Like a mighty cannonball he seems to fly.
    You'll hear about him ever'where you go.
  • Down the Road
    Down the Road Posts: 949
    Also no UK warranty on goods you import yourself.
    Racing is life - everything else is just waiting
  • DomT
    DomT Posts: 648
    I was actually after a Rohloff Oil change kit, in America you can get one for $20.50 (under 10 quid), but when you include p&p (and possible tax) you don't really gain much of a saving. In the end I ordered a couple from Roseversand in Germany.
  • chrisjsmith
    chrisjsmith Posts: 280
    If it's small-ish items, get the seller to unpack them, wrap them in bubble wrap and box and send (even for a small extra fee). Send the invoices and paperwork separate or electronically. Get them to mark the main package as a gift.

    Usually avoids customs. I've had an 80% success rate on that. If they can't prove it's value then they can't charge

    I tend to get clothes, electronics and specialist PC bits shipped internationally as it's a ton cheaper.

    If they do open it, refuse to sign it, place a claim to say it was damaged by customs but put it's UK worth value. Can't loose :)
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Nice to see the forum discussing smuggling again :roll:
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I'm not sure its worth getting expensive stuff cheap from the US - as you say - no warranty - so something electrical, or an expensive frame - part of the purchase price is the cost of the warranty. I saved about £15 on some Oakleys, but dont think its worth it for much more than that.

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