Buying filters from Hong Kong

James_G

James_G

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I've been following some of the recent filter threads and keep hearing good things about Kenko filters, bought via eBay sellers based in Hong Kong.

What is the likelihood of being hit with the customs and import duty from say a £30 filter from Hong Kong? A quick look at the HMRC site shows that as it's over £18 it'll attract both Customs Duty and Import VAT.

Given that the Kenko Pro1 CPL 67mm is going to be £36 from HK would I just be better off buying, say, a Marumi DHG from UK Optics for circa £55 and saving myself the hassle?

Anybody here been charged the extra duty and VAT on items you've imported??

Thanks
 
The Marumi is certainly a better C-Pol, as the coating is lovely and easy to clean.

Whether thats worth the diff I don't know.

I got clobbered for a grip I bought recently, £8 + 15% of $50. Luck of the draw.
 
they usually declare it as a gift or price it lower than you actually paid for it.
 
I've yet to be caught for tax and order loads of stuff like that. All my filters are from hong kong, they are so much cheaper it's stupid not to.

Kenko Pro 1 is awsome for cost vs performance. Just look at the equivilent Hoya on warehouse express if you need convincing, as they are the same filter.
 
In the end I took the plunge and ordered the Kenko from Hong Kong via Fotocola (eBay). It's arrived today marked up as being worth $10 and looks and feels great. Haven't taken any photos with it yet, that's planned for the weekend.

Thanks for the tips and based on my experience, ordering from HK seems like a good option.
 
Good to hear your filter got through OK. I've ordered 3 times from Hong Kong, filters, a right angle finder and some radio flash triggers, no VAT to pay. A package arrived from the USA today, cost far more in shipping than from HK, took twice as long and I got hit for £3.59 VAT and £8 Royal Mail handling fee. The only consolation was as I had it shipped to my work place, they thought it was work related and paid the charges via the franking machine.
 
Has anyone bought a filter from a brand called KOOD?
I saw it in a mag.
ND4/8 Filter is 32 pounds
Whereas Hoya Pro 1D is 75 pounds

This is for 77mm filter size
 
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