Import from USA & VAT

[mlbtheshow]

Is there anyway of getting around or at least having the VAT cost reduced when importing an item from the USA?

The item would definately command the full VAT fee.

I assume its illegal on brand new items, but im not sure on 2nd hand goods? Do used goods still get hit by VAT on import?

 

[Gilly]

You will rightly be taxed for it fully if it is readily available on these shores.

 

[mlbtheshow]

OK thanks for that.

 

[greywolf]

This link explains quite a bit: http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...ntent&id=HMCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document

 

[davenjac]

I know it's naughty, I normally ask the US sender to lower the price on the Customs dec, hope there aren't any HM Customs & Excise men reading this.

 

[Gilly]

OK thanks for that.

You are most welcome

I know it's naughty, I normally ask the US sender to lower the price on the Customs dec, hope there aren't any HM Customs & Excise men reading this.

Hiya!

*waves*

 

[khrall]

Is the above another possible link for Gilly's sig?

 

[stoofa]

I know it's naughty, I normally ask the US sender to lower the price on the Customs dec, hope there aren't any HM Customs & Excise men reading this.

The thing is - the penalty for being found guilty of "Defrauding Her Majesties Revenue & Customs" can be pretty bad.
Really not worth it.

 

[Cold_And_Miserable]

VAT is government theft.
Get the sender in the USA to sign it off as a warranty replacement.

 

[Basher]

VAT is government theft.

 

[Energize]

The VAT and customs rates are truly extortionate.

 

[stoofa]

VAT is government theft.
Get the sender in the USA to sign it off as a warranty replacement.

And then it's the sender who gets in trouble.

Lots of "suggestions" keep popping up:

Lie about value
Send as gift
Mark as warranty replacement

It's the sender who then gets into trouble as lying on a customs declaration form is a big no, no.
No reputable supplier is going to risk it.

 

[Theophany]

Currently doing the same myself. Having an Alienware m15x imported. As far as I am aware, it doesn't matter what the item is, whether or not it is used etc if the value is over £40 excl. postage. You'll still have to pay 17.5% VAT but no import duty.

As far as I am aware, only EU imports are VAT exempt.

 

[mlbtheshow]

I can understand it, but its shocking. I can get much better value for money purchasing something in the USA and paying the shipping over here, than I can by purchasing the product here.....

Going to be worse in January when that VAT goes up id assume.

 

[Westyfield2]

You will rightly be taxed for it fully if it is readily available on these shores.

But not if it's not available over here?


I'd thought you got stung regardless, but if it's only when the item is available here that's a bit better .

 

[memyselfandi]

Currently doing the same myself. Having an Alienware m15x imported. As far as I am aware, it doesn't matter what the item is, whether or not it is used etc if the value is over £40 excl. postage. You'll still have to pay 17.5% VAT but no import duty.

As far as I am aware, only EU imports are VAT exempt.

For over £18 including postage you are liable for VAT on non-EU imports, (rises to £36 if the item is a gift).

 

[Lopéz]

The VAT and customs rates are truly extortionate.

No they aren't.

 

[Energize]

No they aren't.

Of course they are, 20%+ charges with no justification, it massively raises the cost of consumer goods which aren't available in this country. One can only be thankful it is so easy to evade.

 

[Lopéz]

Of course they are, 20%+ charges with no justification, it massively raises the cost of consumer goods which aren't available in this country. One can only be thankful it is so easy to evade.

You do understand why HMRC charge duty and VAT on such items I take it?

 

[Energize]

You do understand why HMRC charge duty and VAT on such items I take it?

To rake in large amounts of revenue, as with any tax.