How fast can I import some toys from USA?

[Taita]

Hello,

I need to buy 15 toys for a project I am working on. I can't find an EU seller who can supply 15 of them in a quick enough timescale. They aren't for resale, I'll actually be chopping them up as part of the project!

They're coming from a USA toy seller (think their version of the ELC) and I'll stump up for super quick shipping (actually more than the cost of the items ).

Will UPS / USPS pay all the customs duty and get it to my address within the 3-4 days? Then they bill me to redeem the cost? Or does it sit in a USPS / UPS warehouse at Heathrow until I pay them?

Thank you.

[MockingJay]

UPS deliver to us from California in 2 days. They usually bring us an invoice and require us to pay the duty on delivery before handing over the parcel.

If you get a UPS account you can pay the duty online before the parcel arrives.

[Taita]

Smashing, is a UPS account pretty simple? Can I pay the import duty to the driver via card at the front desk?

[MockingJay]

Yeah it took five minutes, I think all you need is the tracking number, then track it on the UPS website and i'm sure it gives you the option to register an account there.

I don't think they take card at the door, we usually pay online before hand but they accept cash & cheques on delivery.

[Nickyboy]

Taita said:

Smashing, is a UPS account pretty simple? Can I pay the import duty to the driver via card at the front desk?

If you want them quick don't bother setting up an account, providing the seller ships them quickly you'll have them in a couple of days, pay the driver any duties or pay them beforehand if you get an incoming shipment notification. The driver can take a card on the door but will either ask you to phone the brokerage to pay it or they'll phone their office to pay it, some won't however as they use their personal phones not work issued.

Edited by Nickyboy on Tuesday 7th November 23:19

[mickytruelove]

If you are using UPS you can pay the duty online as soon as the item is on its way. Drivers cant take card but will wait while you phone and pay, they will take a cheque and cash though.

UPS/DHL will both do 2 day delivery. DHL deliver and send an invoice 2-3 weeks later.

[Flat-6]

Get the seller to mark them as warranty replacements - shouldnt be taxed.

[Nickyboy]

Flat-6 said:

Get the seller to mark them as warranty replacements - shouldnt be taxed.

Nope, you need commodity codes and previous documentation from the original purchase to avoid duties.

[montecristo]

Flat-6 said:

Get the seller to mark them as warranty replacements - shouldnt be taxed.

The glamorous world of fraud and tax evasion.