Importing Leica stuff to the UKgreenspun.com : LUSENET : Leica Photography : One Thread |
I'm in the UK and want to purchase a Leica lens from someone in the USA. Neither of us is a dealer.Can anyone say whether I will get charged customs duty and/or VAT if I do so?
I once bought a camera from the USA without giving the matter a thought, and no charge was raised; however, I then bought a lens of modest value and was whacked for about £60. I tried to look into the legalities but they were impossibly detailed and tedious.
Any advice or experience from anyone?
-- Paul Hart (paulhart@blueyonder.co.uk), May 07, 2002
Paul,If its coming in by regular mail, it depends on the size of the package (i.e. whether it attracts their attention), declared value (I think gifts under £30 or so are tax free), and whose sorting the packages (over the internet I've heard being charged duty is real hit and miss so this is all I an put it down to).
My understanding is that above £30 (or so it used to be this years back) you should be charged duty on the total amount of cost+shipping+insurance, then VAT on the figure after duty has been added. So yes you pay 17.5% tax on the duty tax. Thats why it can soon rack up. I would say that unless the deal is real good or your a gambler (and willing to bet) it's not worth the potential charge you may get hit with.
Sorry for the rambling!
Finally I know that the customs guys when the inspect imported cars (from the US) go on their estimation on the worth and not what you declare (so you couldn't say a new vette was worth $25000), I'm not sure if they do this with packages though.
-- bubble (bubblegrass@yahoo.com), May 07, 2002.
Beware UPS ! They have a nice line in 'guiding' parcels through customs, ensuring the full duty and VAT is paid irrespective of the value, AND charging a handling fee for their 'help'. All charged to the end customer on your doorstep! I think the best you can hope for is have it sent insured, but as a gift, by regular mail, or a carrier that is a little less greedy. Be prepared for a fee and sigh with relief if you don't get charged.
-- Steve Barnett (barnet@globalnet.co.uk), May 07, 2002.
Paul: Buy it in the USA and see if you have a friend coming here and have him/her bring it back. This is the best way short of paying taxes.
-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), May 07, 2002.
I have bought much stuff from USA, I get the seller to mark item and value ie, old lens and $25 (on a 28 elmarit M for example)....No charges but a bit hit or miss.I once got charged 24 GBP duty and tax on a 30USD hasselblad hood!!!!
Please note my changed name!! To protect the guilty!!
-- Mystery (annony @Mouse.com), May 08, 2002.
Thanks to everyone for your responses. The ignoble art of smuggling is obviously alive and well!
-- Paul Hart (paulhart@blueyonder.co.uk), May 08, 2002.
Phone Customs and Excise help line. They will tell you VAT is due at 17.5% plus some other tax at 4.5%.I bought a battery for my lap top, delivered by UPS, paid VAT + another fee. Took a risk with a 2nd hand lens costing $350 - this came by mail and no VAT levied
-- derek Stringer (whimhowe@classicfm.net), May 11, 2002.