Importing from america

[chongsta]

Hi all,

Ive just bought some goodies from America, do i have to pay VAT when they arrive? It wouldnt be a problem coz itll only add a few ££ and im still coming in well cheaper than the U.K. alternative of the items in question...just curious.

cheers
dave.

[Justin]

When I brought some goods in a while ago I had to pay VAT and also a fee to UPS for handling (I had to collect). Second time around they delivered to me and I never got a bill for the VAT.

As you say, it often still works out cheaper than buying in the UK ;)

[Andrew]

Tax and vat is to be added Dave. Like already stated, the courier will probably have a tax bill for you when dropping the stuff off if they do it correctly.

[Kaz]

Anything over, I think it's £18 is liable for VAT, and anything over £105 is liable for customs duty (might be the other way round, I often get confused on this issue).

You are also respsonsible for a handling fee, parcelforce/RM charge approx £8, other couriers charge more.

I always factor in an extra third of what I've paid, inclusive of P&P to pay on non EU purchases, and if gets through without charges, even better