Import Duties

Sukh · 19 Dec 2010 at 15:21

Very quick query, google seems to throw up the £17 figure but I am sure it changed recently.

What is the deal with bringing second hand goods into the country? I thought there was a circa £100 limit?

Thanks

Jokester · 19 Dec 2010 at 15:25

£18 according to the Customs & Excise website. I don't think there's an excemption for second hand items, at least I can't see any reference to them.

Edit: In fact there is a section, 2nd hand goods are subject to the same duties

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...CE_CL_000014&propertyType=document#P135_11280

tabs · 19 Dec 2010 at 17:31

It depends what you mean by second hand, have you purchased it from someone or is someone just passing it on to you?

Jokester · 19 Dec 2010 at 17:33

It would come under the gift rules if someone gives you it in that case.

Sukh · 19 Dec 2010 at 17:34

It is a gift for graduation, but it is coming from abroad. Don't know how to prove that though.

Jokester · 19 Dec 2010 at 17:35

2.4 Gifts

Goods sent as a gift that are over £40 in value are liable to import VAT. Customs duty also becomes payable if the value of the goods is over £135 but is waived if the amount of duty calculated is less than £9.

To qualify as a gift:

* the customs declaration must be completed correctly
* the gift must be sent from a private person outside the EU to a private person(s) in this country
* there is no commercial or trade element and the gift has not been paid for either directly or indirectly
* the gift is of an occasional nature only, for example, for a birthday or anniversary.

plasmahal · 19 Dec 2010 at 17:35

What happens if someone buys something in the UK and pays VAT, then sells it to someone over seas ans then some time later, someone else buys it back into to the UK....

If the VAT has already been paid, then you should pay nothing, but I suppose you would have to prove that VAT has already been paid.