VAT on imported old valves?

[bumpy]

When buying old (circa 1950s) but working valves from the USA is it normal to pay VAT on the import?

[Audio Al]

When buying old (circa 1950s) but working valves from the USA is it normal to pay VAT on the import?

Yes and handling charge plus import duty then the VAT

[Macca]

Unless the valves are over 100 years old.

[bumpy]

Unless the valves are over 100 years old.

Could one argue for collectible, which is I believe only 5% VAT?

[Stratmangler]

Could one argue for collectible, which is I believe only 5% VAT?

What's the rate for electronic components?

[bumpy]

What's the rate for electronic components?

Import duty is 0% but VAT is 20%

[Macca]

Could one argue for collectible, which is I believe only 5% VAT?

Sounds like an idea. I suspect they would have to be out of production though to be strictly by the book.

[guy]

Do they have to come from the states? I have bought a few old valves from Germany (via ebay) and had no extra charges.

[bumpy]

Do they have to come from the states? I have bought a few old valves from Germany (via ebay) and had no extra charges.

Worth looking out for, but I was buying RCA 45s and I believe most of the NOS stock resides in the US. :(

[worrasf]

Do they have to come from the states? I have bought a few old valves from Germany (via ebay) and had no extra charges.

I've all but given up buying anything from US because Royal Mail seem to think it's a cash cow for them. They charge outlandish handling fees regardless of actual value of the goods. With import duty/VAT/Royal Mail protection racket fees then usually any reduction in purchase price is likely to be negated. The exception is OWC computing for MAC bits but you pay top dollar for international next day UPS delivery.

For sourcing hard to get NOS tubes from a trusted non US supplier you can do a lot worse than WiWi tubes (http://www.wiwitubes.com/en/about.php) - they are my go to store if I can't source in UK - highly recommended

Steve