VAT on equipment imported from the USA

[singlecoil]

Recently I ordered some equipment from the USA. The value of the consignment was 978USD. I was expecting the VAT and duty to be about 21% of the value, but when the stuff arrived the 'import VAT' was £221.96 and the duty £21.20
I'm not VAT registered yet, so I can't get the VAT back and am therefore quite focussed on whether or not the figures are correct
978USD is approx 555GBP, so the VAT would need to be about 40%. Can this be right??????????????

[simpo two]

I don't know if this applies in your case but my VAT notes just received say:

'From 1 May 2005, the European Commission has imposed an additional 15% ad valorem duty on certain products originating in the United States. This duty will apply to goods such as agricultural, textile and machinery products.'

Is this the start of a trade war?

>> Edited by simpo two on Thursday 14th July 10:41

[Simonelite501]

I don't know if this is of anyy help, but I am currently importing a Kenworth truck from the US, and I've been quoted Import duty at 4.5% of the total cost i.e purchase price & shipping etc then VAT @ 17.5% has to be paid on that total.

>> Edited by Simonelite501 on Thursday 14th July 17:39

[mikef]

That's interesting. Have they told you what TARIC classification would be applied to get 4.5% import duty?

>> Edited by mikef on Saturday 16th July 21:24