Tax from US

Sea_Green_Incorruptible
Sea_Green_Incorruptible Posts: 431
edited June 2008 in Workshop
Hi folks. Does anyone know if items purchased in the US on ebay (e.g. a frameset) are subject to import tax?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    bike 15 plus vat
    parts 4.7 plus vat

    http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPort ... ROD_009989

    sporting goods for parts.

    Oh and there may be a handling charge.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Sea_Green_Incorruptible
    Sea_Green_Incorruptible Posts: 431
    Great. Thanks for the info nicklouse.
  • thenumber8
    thenumber8 Posts: 68
    I think it might be the luck of the draw. I bought a £200 FSA chainset from an ebay shop in the US and didn't get levied for tax. Maybe check with the vendor on the goods description that they enter on the shipping details as this can affect whether tax gets charged.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    thenumber8
    More like be prepared and able to pay the rates and hope it gets through.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • blorg
    blorg Posts: 1,169
    As nicklouse indicates, make sure it's put down as parts rather than bike (you should not have to pay 15% on a frame)

    Note you also have to pay VAT on top of the duty (e.g. you pay tax on the tax) and the lot is charged on the total including the shipping.

    So for example if your frame is costing you £900 and shipping is £100 you will pay £47 duty and £183.23 VAT for a total of £1230.23.

    The carrier will charge a collection fee for the tax which varies according to the carrier but generally is in the region of £5-20, e.g. it's a fixed fee not a percentage.

    In my limited experience you are more likely to get away without paying the tax if using US Postal Service rather than a courier company (like UPS, FedEx etc.) What the sender puts on the declaration will also have an effect. This is importing into Ireland but I suspect it may be the same in the UK.
  • itisaboutthebike
    itisaboutthebike Posts: 1,120
    bikes and frames will be levied for imprt duty etc.

    I've bought 3 frames off Ebay from the US and all have been subject to duty (as well as several guitars - but thats my other vice !)

    Its more pot luck with parts. I think if the 'value' (and this is the insurance value as quoted by the seller on the delivery details) is more than $45 you'll get charged duty.

    However there have been instances when I haven't been charged anything and the insurance value has been $200.

    I've had some great steals - a superb Jamis Quest 631tig welded frame and full carbon Reynolds forks (both virtually new) for $170 plus $60 shipping plus about £30 duty. Bargain.
  • Sea_Green_Incorruptible
    Sea_Green_Incorruptible Posts: 431
    Thanks all. Means that if I'm going up to £400 I need to budget another £100-odd or thereabouts for tax etc. Very helpful indeed.

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