Import Duty on second hand goods?

Natima · 24 May 2009 at 19:17

Hi there.
I've found a lovely bargain on a second hand guitar from the states.
Its a Gibson SG Special for £490 inc P&P.
Does anybody know what the deal with import taxes are for second hand guitars?

Will I have to pay extra despite it being second hand? and roughly how much?

Boycie · 24 May 2009 at 19:22

3.2% Duty and 15% VAT of the invoice price.

danza · 24 May 2009 at 19:25

You will still have to pay the fees regardless of whether it's used or new.

According to here:

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channels...ent&id=HMCE_PROD_009989&propertyType=document

Duty is at 3.2% for guitars (although it looks a bit like there is a **** up there), and on top of that you'll also have to pay standard VAT plus the admin fee of the carrier (which varies). You also pay VAT fees on postage. Based on that I'd add about another £100 on top of the price you pay for the guitar delivered.

Energize · 24 May 2009 at 19:57

You'll still get ripped off by customs whether it's new or second hand.

Rroff · 24 May 2009 at 20:47

You might get lucky... but tbh from my experience... your gonna get ripped off at every stage between it arriving in the UK and being delivered to you... tbh I wouldn't be suprised to see you paying anywhere between £115 and £140 on top of that by the time it reaches you.

Natima · 25 May 2009 at 18:48

Yeah... I think i'd be better off looking to buy one second hand in the UK then.

danza · 25 May 2009 at 19:13

Natima said:
Yeah... I think i'd be better off looking to buy one second hand in the UK then.

Yep. Especially as the $ to £ is so gay at the moment, you stand little chance of getting overseas bargains.