Importing computer hardware

Firepanda · 20 May 2010 at 14:46

I know you have to pay VAT on it, but is there a duty charge with it?

I've read around and most things computer related don't get hit with a duty charge

Just to make sure, computer parts from other countries are compatable with our parts correct? (might be a stupid question but never hurts to make sure)

Also do customs rip open your package? Would it be too hard to try and pretend what you ordered is a small 'gift' or half the value of what it really is?

Thanks

Ph4lanx · 20 May 2010 at 15:17

You can try faking the documents to say a gift or whatever, but woe betide you if they check the package and figure out you're lying. They're actually really efficient at finding the true value of something.

greywolf · 20 May 2010 at 15:38

You will be charged a handling fee of £14.50, + VAT of the item(s) + Import duty, which varies on what the item(s) are. Say I import something for £300 id expect to pay £70-80 on top.

mjones1 · 20 May 2010 at 15:41

It's not worth it since you wouldn't be unable to RMA.

reflux · 20 May 2010 at 15:47

I imported a graphics card from America for my laptop. Even though it was clearly labelled as a gift, they still charged me £50 on it. That was a few years ago.