Import duty on bits? Any ideas?

[bhpjon]

Hi there, i am looking at the prospect of importing a set of throttle bodies from the states ,value 170 pounds sterling or $320 USD, and wondered if anyone else had experience of this and whether there are any nasty surprises waiting for me?

[Cider Andy]

The rate of import duty depends on the category of goods being imported and the prevailing rate. As an example, I imported certain goods from the USA around ten years ago and the prevailing rate for that category of goods was zero percent. Earlier this year I imported certain other goods and the rate equated to around the same as VAT.

I think if you contact FedEx or DHL in the UK they each have a department that deals with this sort of thing and they may be able to tell you the rate for the goods you wish to import. If not, they'll be able to point you in the direction of the relevant authority.

I've also heard of exporters categorising their goods as duty free items. In such a case the goods certainly aren't 'just what it says on the tin'! But both importer and [probably to a lesser extent] the exporter might face penalties for such behaviour.

[Chauch]

An absolute lottery though as to whether or not you end up paying duty or not. I bought a large number of parts from Japan, mostly "warranty replacement" or "gifts" and it really is luck, generally up to 30% if you do end up paying though. Gifts during the Christmas period are less likely to be queried you would guess

[zumbruk]

There are about 200 different rates, depending on what it is, where it's coming from and how you declare it.

Added to that is the lottery as to whether they bother collecting it at all.

So, you may pay as much as 30% + VAT and as little as nothing.

[s7paul]

When I restored my '74 Honda CB500 a couple of years ago, I bought loads of bits on eBay that had to be shipped from the USA. I initially got clobbered by the import duty (standard VAT rate) plus the Royal Mail's processing costs. Subsequently, when buying stuff I just asked the seller to put a low value on the customs declaration form, as there is a lower limit below which no charges apply (unfortunately I can't remember what it is). They all complied, so I didn't pay any further charges. I think the only problem that may arise is if the items were to be lost in the post; you probably wouldn't be able to claim the full value. It's a risk I felt was worth taking.