Import Duty & VAT from USA

[a2z]

I’ve had a look through some old threads but I haven’t really found the answer I need so here I go. The future Mrs A2Z has found that she can save a fair bit by buying bridesmaids dresses from the USA so I need an idiots guide to importing as I have only done a few CD’s before now. The dresses are $115 each with shipping of $54 each. Am I right in thinking that I will have to pay duty at 12% on the price including shipping and then VAT on the whole price including duty? Are there any other charges that I should look out for? How do I pay these charges? Do I send the money to the customs inspector or do I pay on delivery?

Any advice gratefully received, thanks.

[POORCARDEALER]

i just send some car clocks to USA for repair, I was charged Import duty (WTF import duty was paid on the full car when it was imported) and VAT on the cost of the repairs........this was collected by the carrier who also charged a £13.50 admin fee on top...........be careful it can work out more expensive than buying in the uk

[simpo two]

a2z said:

The dresses are $115 each with shipping of $54 each. Am I right in thinking that I will have to pay duty at 12% on the price including shipping and then VAT on the whole price including duty? Are there any other charges that I should look out for? How do I pay these charges? Do I send the money to the customs inspector or do I pay on delivery?

Customs calculate the fee based on the declared value. If this is below about £25 or marked 'Gift', they generally don't bother. So you could ask the shipper if they will under-declare the true value. However, if they do, and the consignment is lost, any insurance will only pay out the declared value...

If they do clobber you, your postie or courier will simply turn up and present you with the package and a bill which you have to pay. You hand over a cheque, they give you the parcel. The bill will include import duty, VAT and any courier fee, all in one, so it's easy.

If you're VAT registered you can reclaim the VAT, so it's not a big deal.

NB $54 shipping for one dress seems a bit high.

>> Edited by simpo two on Saturday 4th March 21:12

[sjg]

Marking as "gift" just increases the threshold at which duty is waived from £18 to £36.

Duty, or import tax, varies according to the type of goods you're importing. Often it's around the 8-10% mark, some a bit more, some a bit less. There's a full list on www.hmce.gov.uk .