Import duty/VAT

[sprint]

Can anybody advise the position of buying N.O.S. valves from the US?

Would you have to pay any duty and or VAT on any 30/40 year old valves bought from the US to the UK?

Cost of valves would be under £50.

[Audioman]

Can anybody advise the position of buying N.O.S. valves from the US?

Would you have to pay any duty and or VAT on any 30/40 year old valves bought from the US to the UK?

Cost of valves would be under £50.

The best way to avoid is ask seller to classify the item as a gift when filling in the customs form. It is a lottery as to an item getting stopped. If it does there is Duty + VAT + Handling fee.

[ninedecks]

If you have the package shown as Turntable/record player spares, the import duty could be 2%, you will need to check the government website for links to customs duty for radio/amplifier spares.
If the item is sent by air mail and without a signature on delivery, you may get away with no additional charges.
If the sender insists on 'UPS' signed for or similar, you are stuffed.
You will pay VAT at the full rate of 25%, including the cost of carriage from the USA (it will then be up to you to attempt to get the overcharge back), you will pay a handling fee (normally £8).
I have made several purchases from America, nowadays if the sender insists on a signed for 'courier' delivery, I pass and don't purchase, it adds too much to the purchase price.
My experiences - mostly ebay (the Yanks really do believe that ebay will spank them if they use air mail and not a signed for delivery).
Dave

[worrasf]

Can anybody advise the position of buying N.O.S. valves from the US?

Would you have to pay any duty and or VAT on any 30/40 year old valves bought from the US to the UK?

Cost of valves would be under £50.

I got so fed up of this I have virtually given up buying stuff from US. Fortunately, the same does not seem to apply to Hong Kong and I have found and used a couple of reputable valve dealers in HK and so far have not had to ay import duty or VAT. This chap (Chen) has sold me some good valves http://stores.ebay.co.uk/tubemen88

Steve

[vandergraafuk]

Has anyone been stung for import duty and VAT buying a Mike New bearing. If so what was the ball park figure?

[northwest]

Yes, VAT. See my thread here: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15595
Just been 'done' for £72. Not 'Appy!

[northwest]

If you have the package shown as Turntable/record player spares, the import duty could be 2%, you will need to check the government website for links to customs duty for radio/amplifier spares.
If the item is sent by air mail and without a signature on delivery, you may get away with no additional charges.
If the sender insists on 'UPS' signed for or similar, you are stuffed.
You will pay VAT at the full rate of 25%, including the cost of carriage from the USA (it will then be up to you to attempt to get the overcharge back), you will pay a handling fee (normally £8).
I have made several purchases from America, nowadays if the sender insists on a signed for 'courier' delivery, I pass and don't purchase, it adds too much to the purchase price.
My experiences - mostly ebay (the Yanks really do believe that ebay will spank them if they use air mail and not a signed for delivery).
Dave

This is good advice. I am in the very fortunate position that I travel to the US three or four times a year so I have stuff sent to a friends house and pick it up when I get there. The courier companies have an arrangement with HMRC and it is just an extended collection agency.

[vandergraafuk]

I bought a silaflex glass optical toslink from the US. Got stuffed by parcel force for vat and import. Might as well bought it here. Didn't save anything and it took 4 weeks. Lol

[The Grand Wazoo]

You should expect to pay this tax & plan your budget accordingly. It is the law after all!

[northwest]

You should expect to pay this tax & plan your budget accordingly. It is the law after all!

I agree, it IS the law. It is also a criminal offence to charge for the collection of VAT yet parcelfarce et al actually charge an administration fee for collecting it. Yes the law, it is also the law that VAT is 20% so can someone explain to me how I was charged £57 on a parcel with a value of $280? Because someone cannot read, that's why. But guess what, I can appeal and claim it back. I don't mean to be contentious Chris but it seems like we have several versions of the same law here and that I cannot cope with.
Even the Office of Fair Trading have said it is "unreasonable and may be outside of the law". As I said in my other post, they have already been paid to deliver the parcel. The £13.50 is purely to collect the tax, which is against the law.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I didn't say the fees were fair. I think they are unfair.
What I said was you should budget to pay the tax.

[Clive]

I agree, it IS the law. It is also a criminal offence to charge for the collection of VAT yet parcelfarce et al actually charge an administration fee for collecting it. Yes the law, it is also the law that VAT is 20% so can someone explain to me how I was charged £57 on a parcel with a value of $280? Because someone cannot read, that's why. But guess what, I can appeal and claim it back. I don't mean to be contentious Chris but it seems like we have several versions of the same law here and that I cannot cope with.
Even the Office of Fair Trading have said it is "unreasonable and may be outside of the law". As I said in my other post, they have already been paid to deliver the parcel. The £13.50 is purely to collect the tax, which is against the law.
The fees are high that's for sure. Bear in mind it's not all VAT, there's also import duty. It is s lottery though in the amount you pay.

[Wakefield Turntables]

It still stinks that we have to pay these taxes regardless of what they are for. :steam:

[northwest]

The fees are high that's for sure. Bear in mind it's not all VAT, there's also import duty. It is s lottery though in the amount you pay.

Clive, that was just the VAT. For some perverse reason I was not charged import duty. Which is why I say, if it is going to be implemented it must be done fairly not just on a Pot Luck basis.

[keiths]

Clive, that was just the VAT. For some perverse reason I was not charged import duty. Which is why I say, if it is going to be implemented it must be done fairly not just on a Pot Luck basis.

Duty is waived if the calculated duty is £9 or less.

[JazzBones]

It still stinks that we have to pay these taxes regardless of what they are for. :steam:

Just seen this thread. Today's taxes, in their various ways of getting money, and more and more money out of its citizens, is reminiscent of mediaeval ways of collection when the sheriffs men would ride into a hamlet and just take everything until the next time round, yes I've seen Robin Hood movies :lol:. Today its subtle legalised muggings to pay for things, such as other people's wars etc. Yup, I know citizens must pay for their countrty's welfare etc, but its always the poor peasant (todays Mr/Ms Average Joe) who bears the brunt of handing over his/hers money. I shall really think hard and carefully before I buy anything from the USA etc, as I am sure the hassle ain't worth it?

Just my musings

Ron :(

[chris@panteg]

Just seen this thread. Today's taxes, in their various ways of getting money, and more and more money out of its citizens, is reminiscent of mediaeval ways of collection when the sheriffs men would ride into a hamlet and just take everything until the next time round, yes I've seen Robin Hood movies :lol:. Today its subtle legalised muggings to pay for things, such as other people's wars etc. Yup, I know citizens must pay for their countrty's welfare etc, but its always the poor peasant (todays Mr/Ms Average Joe) who bears the brunt of handing over his/hers money. I shall really think hard and carefully before I buy anything from the USA etc, as I am sure the hassle ain't worth it?

Just my musings

Ron :(

I might be worth it ? Just been doing my sums , if I were to buy an AT33EV from the US it works out at £309 at the exchange rate so even if vat and import duty was over a ton ? Still cheaper than UK price of about £500 .

[JazzBones]

I might be worth it ? Just been doing my sums , if I were to buy an AT33EV from the US it works out at £309 at the exchange rate so even if vat and import duty was over a ton ? Still cheaper than UK price of about £500 .

Jeezus Chris, you're a mind reader, howdya know I'm contemplating buying a AT33EV or the older AT33PTG, dinky die mate! Who would be the best person to buy from in the UK? Theres a bod called Ian Harrison who regularly advertises in the monthlies but he does not have a web site... know anything about him?
Or whose bought from the the US of A without being unduly clobbered?

Ron

[Artifolk]

As far as i can see it is a lottery, i buy most of my Techy upgrades from the relevant countries of manufacture as a cost saving measure, but i to, have had to pay Duty and VAT, but in the long run its still a cheaper option.
As previously mentioned the best way to avoid(not guaranteed) paying Tax etc is via Snail mail, but be prepared for long waiting times on delivery.

[chris@panteg]

Jeezus Chris, you're a mind reader, howdya know I'm contemplating buying a AT33EV or the older AT33PTG, dinky die mate! Who would be the best person to buy from in the UK? Theres a bod called Ian Harrison who regularly advertises in the monthlies but he does not have a web site... know anything about him?
Or whose bought from the the US of A without being unduly clobbered?

Ron

Hi Ron

Ian Harrison seems ok , why not call him ?

I think LP gear are very good , or buy direct from Japan .

[Mr. C]

You will be liable for both import tax and vat on all purchases outside the EU, just as we all are.

Generally electronics range from 3 to 8% import duty, plus the vat and do bear in mind they will charge you vat on the carriage as well.

If you use the post office (or any other shipping agent) they will charge a fee for using the vat clearing account betwen £8 and £25.

Example you purchased a dac from the US @ $1650 and the person charged you $200 to ship the unit.

Total US cost would be $1850 todays exchange rate is £1170 (bank rate will likely to be more as they will want their cut or credit card fees / interest, nearer £1210 I would suspect)

So UKP cost (before entering UK) £1210 plus import tax of 4% £48.40 give you £1258.40 now the vat @20% gives you £1510.08 to your door, plus the clearing fee of between £8 and £25 so lets say half way £12 that gives you £1522 a direct equivilent of $2407 not such a bargin now it.

Do bear in mind everthing you buy (with the exception of bog roll) is vat applied verbaitum, why should anyone dodge the bullet when everyone else has to pay the taxes.

[Marco]

For some perverse reason I was not charged import duty. Which is why I say, if it is going to be implemented it must be done fairly not just on a Pot Luck basis.

That's also my position on the matter.

I've recently imported a load of NOS valves from the US, and didn't pay a penny in Import Duty and Tax. They simply came through the postal system and were delivered to my door, along with the usual mail.

Whereas in the past, I've had to pay Import Duty and Tax for items before I can have them delivered or collect them at my local Parcelforce depot, therefore there seems to be no consistency.

What I have noticed, and I think was mentioned earlier, is that if I pay for a 'fancy' express shipping service, in order that goods from the US are insured and track-able, this always results in them being subject to the charges mentioned. However, when stuff is just being sent by 'cheap as chips' shipping, they slip through the system and I pay nothing.

Does anyone know why this is? :scratch:

Marco.

[Macca]

Do bear in mind everthing you buy (with the exception of bog roll) is vat applied verbaitum, why should anyone dodge the bullet when everyone else has to pay the taxes.

Because they tax your income at ridiculous levels and then tax you again every time you spend what is left. Then they take the money they raised and squander it on nonsense projects and paying people to do nothing or they line their pockets with it and put two fingers up to you. Taxation in this country long since lost any legitimacy, if you can screw them for even a few quid then go for it, the moral high ground is yours.

Ah! I feel better for that. Rant over :D

[chris@panteg]

You will be liable for both import tax and vat on all purchases outside the EU, just as we all are.

Generally electronics range from 3 to 8% import duty, plus the vat and do bear in mind they will charge you vat on the carriage as well.

If you use the post office (or any other shipping agent) they will charge a fee for using the vat clearing account betwen £8 and £25.

Example you purchased a dac from the US @ $1650 and the person charged you $200 to ship the unit.

Total US cost would be $1850 todays exchange rate is £1170 (bank rate will likely to be more as they will want their cut or credit card fees / interest, nearer £1210 I would suspect)

So UKP cost (before entering UK) £1210 plus import tax of 4% £48.40 give you £1258.40 now the vat @20% gives you £1510.08 to your door, plus the clearing fee of between £8 and £25 so lets say half way £12 that gives you £1522 a direct equivilent of $2407 not such a bargin now it.

Do bear in mind everthing you buy (with the exception of bog roll) is vat applied verbaitum, why should anyone dodge the bullet when everyone else has to pay the taxes.

Very fair Tony , i think everyone has to accept these obligations and must do the sums 1st before buying from abroad ! Buying locally though should still be encouraged as a good dealer needs to be supported :)

[The Grand Wazoo]

Taxation in this country long since lost any legitimacy, if you can screw them for even a few quid then go for it, the moral high ground is yours.

This is fine in theory, but you're not screwing 'them' at all, are you? Ultimately, you're screwing the folks who do pay tax.

[chris@panteg]

Because they tax your income at ridiculous levels and then tax you again every time you spend what is left. Then they take the money they raised and squander it on nonsense projects and paying people to do nothing or they line their pockets with it and put two fingers up to you. Taxation in this country long since lost any legitimacy, if you can screw them for even a few quid then go for it, the moral high ground is yours.

Ah! I feel better for that. Rant over :D

I agree to a point , i guess i could always live in Denmark , Norway or Sweden where the system seems fairer and pay £10 for a pint of beer :scratch:

[Marco]

Anyone fancy answering my question in post #22?

Marco.

[Macca]

This is fine in theory, but you're not screwing 'them' at all, are you? Ultimately, you're screwing the folks who do pay tax.

I'm on PAYE Chris. I pay the lot.

[chris@panteg]

Anyone fancy answering my question in post #22?

Marco.

Hi Marco

Just a hunch but could it be as simple as " Well if its not insured and no signature required then its not worth anything " Can you imagine how many parcels pass through each day ? Makes sense just to bother with the signed for and insured items yes ?

[Marco]

Well if that's the case, Chris, then it motivates you to take a chance on non-essential items, and simply use the bog standard shipping option and save a good bit of dosh!

I think that's what I'll be doing from now on ;)

Marco.

[Macca]

If you pay the postage over the counter and ship it by normal post there is no electronic record. Send it by a carrier and it is bar coded, scanned, put on the computer system and so on. There is a full record for customs to examine and as it is all electronic they know where everything is going, what it is and the value.

[chris@panteg]

Well if that's the case, Chris, then it motivates you to take a chance on non-essential items, and simply use the bog standard shipping option and save a good bit of dosh!

I think that's what I'll be doing from now on ;)

Marco.

:)i think so , maybe not for delicate irreplaceable NOS valves though eh ;)

[Marco]

If you pay the postage over the counter and ship it by normal post there is no electronic record. Send it by a carrier and it is bar coded, scanned, put on the computer system and so on. There is a full record for customs to examine and as it is all electronic they know where everything is going, what it is and the value.


Yup, so like I said, it's worth taking a chance and having things shipped from the US, and such like, by 'cattle class', in order that they skip the system!

Providing that the seller packs goods in such a way that they would survive a direct nuclear strike, and one is willing to wait for delivery, there shouldn't be a problem - and so then kiss goodbye to paying Import Duty and Tax! :yay:

Seriously, for private individuals, perhaps it makes more sense to pay the seller to use proper packaging, which in most cases would be less than one pays for Import Duty and Tax on the goods concerned, in order that they are most likely to arrive intact, through the normal postage system, than paying through the nose for express shipping costs and Import and Tax duties later?

One to ponder, me thinks...

Marco.

[TBL]

Not sure if there have been threads here complaining that UK dealers rip of customers by doing a straight $ to £ conversion on US products but plenty on other forums. Perhaps those that do complain will now understand why that have to do that. Importing from outside the UK is NOT CHEAP.

Also bear in mind this is not a UK phenomenon all countries operate a similar scheme. A Canadian buyer who recently bought my 30 year old quad Pre was most abusive to me because he had to pay customs duty on 2nd hand kit and it was all my fault for declaring the insurance value.

[kininigin]

I have had an'unable to deliver,because there is a fee to pay' note from royalmail today.

Paid £60'ish for a cart,£19 to pay in fees :steam:

This is the first time i have had to pay a fee,it was sent by first class mail,tracked from the US.

I think I have learnt my lesson there!

[roob]

To answer the OP I purchased a pair of valves from the Pacific Valve company a couple of years ago and didn't pay any extras, I did have to pay tax on the Schiit headphone amp I purchased last month.