MK5 Golf GTI

General => Random Chat => Topic started by: monte on December 04, 2013, 12:06:29 am

Title: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: monte on December 04, 2013, 12:06:29 am

Does anyone know about Customs charges and how they are worked out?

Are these charges the same whatever country you buy from?

Obviously I know within the EU I won't get charged  :wink:

I've been looking at a camera from Australia.

It costs £114 and £25 postage.

Any ideas how much I'll expect to pay in charges?


Thanks in advance guys  :notworthy:


Carlo.  :smiley:

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: xjay1337 on December 04, 2013, 12:28:23 am

Normally add 20%....because of VAT+ any other fees...
When buying from America roughly whatever it costs in $ is the price you'd pay in £.
Looking on HMRC or whatever government agency it is would give the most accurate data.

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: MC71 on December 04, 2013, 06:51:43 am

Carlo,

Cameras are a Duty Free item but VAT is still payable at 20%.

Total cost, excluding insurance is £166.80

 :happy2:

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: monte on December 04, 2013, 07:09:56 am

Thanks guys!  :notworthy:

At £166 I might have to rethink.

I can get the camera for £190 in the UK. At £24 more for a UK model that will arrive in a few days is a no-brainer really.

I think I was initially seduced by the £114 price tag.  :innocent:

Thanks again for the info.  :congrats:

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: Eddie-NL on December 04, 2013, 07:54:37 am

buy from the UK

imports = + VAT + Customs handling charge

what are you going to do if it goes wrong, send it back to Australia????

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: Tamiyoman on December 04, 2013, 09:39:38 am

Don't forget VAT is charged on the Camera and the shipping cost, plus you will pay Parcelforces' 8.50 or 13.50 "handling Charge".

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: xjay1337 on December 04, 2013, 10:00:20 am

As well as mentioned, warranty claims... you will get limited/no support from most places

Title: Re: Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?
Post by: monte on December 16, 2013, 05:47:05 am

Sorry for the late reply guys  :ashamed:

Thanks for all the info.  :happy2:

There is a lot to consider really. Just because a camera is 1/2 the UK price it's just not worth it. Like you say it would be a major PITA if something went wrong with it.
Plus went you pay the VAT on the camera +shipping the savings are not worth the risk.

Thanks again  :smiley: