Buying kit from USA (Second hand + VAT)

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Dangerous

Soldato
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I'm looking to purchase a solid state recorder for my video camera that is sold as "Used" my question will I get stung for VAT?

As far as I can tell no but unsure?
 
I think Customs will clobber you for import tax and possibly VAT as well... thats what I got lumbered with when I bought an old knackered laptop from the states.
That said, a friend who also bought one from the same guy managed to avoid getting stung at all.
 
The product I'm buying is about 150$ (£90) cheaper second than new but if I get stung for import+VAT it wont be really worth it.
 
No, I dont think it does mate. As I said, I got clobbered for it for a second hand laptop. Worth about £90 IIRC

6. Why have my second-hand goods been charged duty?

Any goods which have been purchased are considered a commercial transaction and are therefore subject to import duty and/or VAT. However, the reliefs explained above still apply.
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Yeah, I know... that was the only reason I bought a laptop from the US. Though I think you'd need to work out what the overall cost would be assuming you got pinched for all the charges you could get and see how that stacks up to buying the bits over here.
 
Text wall coming up. Source

3.1 How are import charges calculated?

Charges are calculated by Customs staff at the postal depots where the packages are received. However, in some cases special arrangements are in place for goods purchased on the internet (see paragraph 3.4 below).

Value Added Tax (VAT) - Import VAT is charged at the same rate that applies to similar goods sold in the UK and applies to commercial goods over £18 in value, and on gifts that are over £40 in value. The value of the goods for import VAT is based on the:

* basic value of goods, plus
* postage, packing and insurance, plus
* any import (Customs or Excise) duties charged.

Customs duty - Customs duty becomes payable if the goods are over £135 in value but is waived if the amount calculated is less than £9. Customs duty is usually charged as a percentage of the value of the goods.

The amount of customs duty charged will depend on the type of goods imported and their value stated on the customs declaration CN22/CN23 (converted using the rates of exchange for the month of importation as shown on our website).

The percentage varies depending on the type of goods and their country of origin. Duty is charged on the price paid for the goods including any local sales taxes plus postage, packing and insurance costs. However, the cost of postage is excluded from the calculation for customs duty on gifts except where the sender has used the Express Mail Service (EMS) as opposed to a standard mail service.

Where the value of gifts is below £630 per consignment a flat rate of duty of 2.5% will be applied, but only if it is to your advantage.

Excise duty - this is charged on alcohol and tobacco products and is additional to customs duty. The excise duty on alcohol products such as wines and spirits depends on the alcohol content and volume. In the case of wine and cider whether they are sparkling or still. Duty on cigarettes is based on a percentage of the recommended retail selling price plus a flat rate amount per 1,000 cigarettes. On other tobacco products, for example, cigars or hand rolling tobacco, excise duty is charged at a flat rate per kilogram.
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As mentioned you'll probably be stung. I was looking at getting a couple of second hand lenses imported, but after import duties and VAT, it would have worked out more expensive than you buying them here in the UK.
 
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