Importing from China

[john_p]

I have something I want to import from China (by air)

How is it determined what duty is paid? I have looked up the TARIC code and I'm sure there are a few different categories categories that apply, can I instruct the Chinese exporter which one to use?

I assume it arrives in the UK, then I get charged duty+VAT+handling which I pay before delivery? But other than that it's no different to any other overseas parcel?

[smele]

john_p said:

I have something I want to import from China (by air)

How is it determined what duty is paid? I have looked up the TARIC code and I'm sure there are a few different categories categories that apply, can I instruct the Chinese exporter which one to use?

I assume it arrives in the UK, then I get charged duty+VAT+handling which I pay before delivery? But other than that it's no different to any other overseas parcel?

If importing by Air, the air side carrier normally makes all the charges and bills you accordingly. Normally the bill of lading describes the items being imported. Occasionally I get a call from confused shipping agents who ask for a better description of what is being imported.

[john_p]

Right, so it's not like Customs arbitarily assign a category to it, it's pretty much done on arrangement with the shipping agent? Provided all is above board, of course.