Classic car parts, VAT & wood to US buyer

[geeman237]

I live in the US and need to order a part for my Reliant Scimitar over here in the US. I need a wood frame for the Webasto sunroof. The sole UK manufacturer/supplier said I will have to pay VAT on the item even though I am a non-UK resident and the part is (hopefully) being shipped to me in the US direct. I never get charged VAT by other UK car parts suppliers for my other cars, so why does this company think I have to pay VAT?

There is also an unknown about US import regulations on wood/wood products. Anyone any first hand knowledge of shipping wood products to the US and any red tape to be cut?

Thanks

[Eric Mc]

Normally, a UK VAT Registered business selling an item to a US based customer would not charge VAT.

Here is what the UK VAT Rules say -

VAT on exports to non-EU countries

VAT is a tax on goods used in the EU, so if goods are exported outside the EU, VAT isn’t charged. You can zero-rate the sale, provided you get and keep evidence of the export, and comply with all other laws. You must also make sure the goods are exported, and you must get the evidence, within three months from the time of sale. This can be longer for goods that need processing before export and for thoroughbred racehorses.

The time of sale is the earlier of:

the day you send the goods to your customer
the day you receive full payment for them
You mustn’t zero-rate sales if your customer asks for them to be delivered to a UK address. If the customer arranges to collect them from you, an indirect export, you may be able to zero-rate the sale as long as certain zero-rating conditions are met.

[sgrimshaw]

The supplier should not charge you VAT if they are given evidence of export.

If they arrange shipping for you, then they will have that evidence.

Sorry, I can't help you with the import of wood into the US question.

[Jos Notstoppen]

geeman237 said:

There is also an unknown about US import regulations on wood/wood products. Anyone any first hand knowledge of shipping wood products to the US and any red tape to be cut?

Thanks

the wood has to be heat or chemical treated to stop the spread of pests and diseases.

When we send a package on a pallet to the USA the pallet is branded to show it has been treated. As the item you require is a finished item a brand would not work. I think the supplier will need to submit a declaration that the wood meets US customs demands.
From past experience US customs do not muck about, no paperwork, it get burnt.

PS just found this link https://www.flexport.com/help/216-importing-wood-p...

[geeman237]

Thanks for the confirmation on the VAT.
Now to figure out the wood but. The supplier seems very reluctant to try posting the goods to me. I think I’m their first international customer lol.

[davepoth]

I've had a bit of a dig. As far as I can see you're actually OK - it's only unmanufactured wood products (a tree trunk, or untreated timber, or similar) that require a permit. Assuming that it is going to be sawn, planed, and then varnished to make it weatherproof you should be fine.

Don't take my word for it though (I wouldn't!). The relevant government department is APHIS. I have to speak to them from time to time for importing animal products, and they are really quite surprisingly helpful once you get through to the right person.

Here's the relevant web page.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthea...