How much tax?
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pxl8
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You've got duty and vat to add, I think the duty is around 22% but I can't remember exactly. Most people buy from HK hoping to avoid the duty and some companies offer to refund if you do get charged. They try and avoid it by marking the lens as a repaired unit rather than a new one.
Warranty repairs might be tricky as the manufacturer might ask for proof the duty was paid. I think Sigma were (are?) doing this...
Warranty repairs might be tricky as the manufacturer might ask for proof the duty was paid. I think Sigma were (are?) doing this...
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With the additional costs you'll be paying, the price difference probably won't be too significant, and if something goes wrong you may have to send it back to HK! I'd stick to the UK, even better a bricks-and-mortar shop you can physically go into if something goes wrong!
HoppyUK
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A lot of people use Ian Kerr, kerso on here. You can PM him, or email kerso1123@msn.com for a price.
His stuff is imported independently from the US, but are full UK duty and VAT paid, and you get UK warranty. I recently paid £799 for a Canon 70-200L 4 IS which is the cheapest I know of. His prices change frequently with the exchange rate, might be even cheaper now
His stuff is imported independently from the US, but are full UK duty and VAT paid, and you get UK warranty. I recently paid £799 for a Canon 70-200L 4 IS which is the cheapest I know of. His prices change frequently with the exchange rate, might be even cheaper now
BAD WOLF
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Thats exactly what this government want you to do,i've bought stuff from Hong Kong in the past and they have got through ok.But if you're concerned just get the shop to post it as second hand or as a repair so you don't pay any duty.Another way is to get them to put the value of the product at about $30.
bigbigblue
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just get the shop to post it as second hand or as a repair so you don't pay any duty.Another way is to get them to put the value of the product at about $30.
Which is of course illegal, and if HM Customs and Revenue found evidence you colluded with the seller to avoid paying duty and/or VAT, you could be facing a stretch in prison or a very large fine.
I don't think the duty is 22% - that's a bit high. It's usually in the 5 to 8% region, so 22% vat+duty is about right. Then a handling charge from the courier, say £10 at least.
Flash In The Pan
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Comparing stuff on Ebay from HK sellers with UK retail prices I can't see anything that would be worth the hassle - most stuff seems to be dearer and you've still got the tax to pay and,in most cases, no warranty either...