Importing lens'

King_Boru

King_Boru

King_Boru

Associate
Joined
9 Jan 2005
Posts
2,356
Location
Canada
Hi guys,

Have found a site in the states where the price difference between $$$ and £££ is quite huge. Say for instance if I bought a lens from a US e-tailer would I be lumped with import duties and what not by the UK? Never really purchased anything from abroad online before.

Thanks.
 
Well, not really anything specific at the moment. I am however investing in a 300mm prime in a couple of the months and the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 is quite a bit cheaper in the states (using the exchange rate). Its just an idea for now, going to canada in december so might wait thill then.
 
King_Boru said:
Hi guys,

Have found a site in the states where the price difference between $$$ and £££ is quite huge. Say for instance if I bought a lens from a US e-tailer would I be lumped with import duties and what not by the UK? Never really purchased anything from abroad online before.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You'll get lumped with VAT and 6.7% import duty, no idea why they charge import duty on lenses but not camera bodies, but there you go.
 
I'd recommend Kerso 100%.

I've recently received a 24-70L F2.8, 100mm Macro and a 580EX speedlite...fantastic service and prices much better than I would pay for a scruffy second hand version over here.

And everything comes with international warranties ;)
 
Kerso is in hospital at the moment though as far as i know, so i'd hold off untill he's out!

He may be out already, but the last i heard he was still in :(
 
Cuchulain said:
You'll get lumped with VAT and 6.7% import duty, no idea why they charge import duty on lenses but not camera bodies, but there you go.
Click to expand...

I love the fact that you get charged VAT and import duty on the cost of courier as well as the lense.
 
Geffen said:
I love the fact that you get charged VAT and import duty on the cost of courier as well as the lense.
Click to expand...

I love the fact most couriers invoice you for it and charge you a fee to collect the money from you on behalf of the government!
 
Cuchulain said:
You'll get lumped with VAT and 6.7% import duty, no idea why they charge import duty on lenses but not camera bodies, but there you go.
Click to expand...

And a processing charge by the carrier, though this usually depends.

(As above too)




At the end of the day, there is a reason for it, and its how it all works... its a risk you are going to have to take. And they don't even look at what the invoice says, I got something from HK which was invoiced at 35€ (It wasnt entirely accurate description, said lens repair service lol) but I got charged £18 in duties. (The place I got it for refunds import duties so not a problem).
 
A random name said:
Kerso is in hospital at the moment though as far as i know, so i'd hold off untill he's out!

He may be out already, but the last i heard he was still in :(
Click to expand...

He is out, a m8 of mine is in contact with him about returning a lens (faulty) Top chap and well recommended everywhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom