Import VAT?

Lazlo Woodbine

Lazlo Woodbine

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Matt
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I've seen a lens I want to buy from a supplier in the USA, but I'm not entirely sure how customs fees work.

Am I right in thinking that I'd have to pay 15% on top of the price I've seen on the website?

Thanks,

Matt
 
You would have to pay 15%, plus any import duty applicable (probably around 4-5%, you can check with HMRC if you need to know for definite) and then if you don't prepay a fee from the carrier, usually in the £5-£20 area.

the companies won't generally mark them as gifts now as customs have got really tight on that and it's big trouble for them if they do

Can still work out cheaper though, just have to go in with your eyes open
 
Thanks both for the info. Very helpful.

That makes it slightly more expensive than I price I've seen in the UK so I'll just order from there.
 
Last time I checked there was 6.7% duty payable on lenses, nothing on cameras. (apart from VAT on both)

You can check on HMRC website.
 
Don't forget that VAT is also charged on the import duty.
 
Lazlo Woodbine said:
I've seen a lens I want to buy from a supplier in the USA, but I'm not entirely sure how customs fees work.

Am I right in thinking that I'd have to pay 15% on top of the price I've seen on the website?

Thanks,

Matt
Click to expand...

Ahoy!

If the declared value is £18.00 or less (including shipping costs), then there is nothing to pay and your goods will not be held or a customs release fee imposed.

Values declared over £18.00 (which includes shipping costs) will normally be subject to VAT @ 15% and a customs release fee imposed.

One way to reduce the liability is to ask the vendor to mark down the declared value, though I don't know if GIFT covers it and no value entered.

It can take forever for HMRC to process 'imports', but budget for 15% over and above and a £10.00 (or thereabouts) customs release fee.
 
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