Will I have to pay duty on a watch bought from the US?

[RichB]

Quick question chaps, I've bought a pre-worn watch from a trader in the US and wondered what the position is with regard to duty on second hand purchases sent from the US by UPS or whatever? The reason I ask is that I've bought jewellery overseas before and know you declare it to customs to pay duty (I assume because it's new) but with old stuff I have previously bought from the US on eBay it just seems to arrive.

[Stefan SRT8]

Depends entirely how it comes in, if by courier or via mail and then Parcelforce then there's a good chance you will have to pay, look at paying around 20% I think.

Stef

[Steve748]

You will get charged on anything above +-$50 ish import duty, handling charge and VAT on top

[Maxf]

Probably. Assume 22% in duty, VAT and clearing fees and you won't be far wrong. The 22% is on the value of the watch and also the shipping costs (cheeky fkers).

[shakotan]

Stefan SRT8 said:

Depends entirely how it comes in, if by courier or via mail and then Parcelforce then there's a good chance you will have to pay, look at paying around 20% I think.

Stef

Plus Parcelfarce will charge a 'clearing fee' for paying the Duties/Vat on your behalf.

I've just had an item arrive from the US, value is $70, VAT calculated to £8.67, then PF whop a £13.50 'fee' on top of that.

wkers!

[Toshi]

If it's sent with a courier company there will certainly be a charge for VAT and a handling fee (normally around £30 with the couriers). If you can get the seller to send it by USPS Priority there is a good chance it will slip through, but this is by no means guaranteed (my experience is about 50/50 with USPS. Parcelforce do the UK leg of delivery, and they do overlook things sometimes).

Good luck

[RichB]

Thanks everyone, useful tip about USPS...

[sneijder]

If you live in the sticks with an ancient post office you'll be more likely to get away with it. My old one was completely bamboozled.

Here's a story for you. I got a hamper from Harrods from the 'rents last Christmas (I'm in Norway). I told the loving parents it'd never work and to just leave it, but no they called Harrods who assured them they could deliver a hamper anywhere in the world before Christmas.

March the next year and I have been forced to open an account with DHL in Norway, and paid 70 quid in tax for a 3 month late box full of crap I'll never eat. Best bit is, just to ruin the surprise DHL sent an itemised list before delivery of everything in the hamper, with its retail value.

If it comes in the normal post you can get away with it.