Buying bits from USA - How much is Import Duty?

windyphil
windyphil Posts: 106
edited November 2007 in Workshop
I'm looking to buy a bike case from the States over the net. Including shipping I'd save about £50 vs buying one here - does anyone know how much Import Duty I'd have to pay if 'caught'?
If only the legs were as good as the bike....

Comments

  • Gav2000
    Gav2000 Posts: 408
    I think it's VAT @ 17.5% that would need to be added.

    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.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Any UK import / forwarding agency has a duty to declare good on your behalf, so expect to get 'caught' - you are eligible for duty and vat on the whole cost of the shipment i.e. including shipping cost. Dunno what duty is on a bike case - probably around 7%, plus the 17.5% vat so reckon on 25% - Royal Mail/Parcelforce also charge £13 handling fee for any imports. A bike case shipping cost will be based on volume not weight and could be very expensive - have you got a quoted price for shipping?
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • windyphil
    windyphil Posts: 106
    The all up total was $245 US. Shipping was included in that figure ($51). The figures you've given means I can expect to pay about the same as buying one here so perhaps not such a good idea to buy from the USA!
    If only the legs were as good as the bike....

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