Import Duties

[Adit 642]

I realise that this may be a somewhat lazy way of doing this, but I was just wondering about the above. 

I have recently seen a couple of watches I liked, one in America and one in Australia, but wasn' t sure of the requirements. (I used the search facility, but couldn't find enough detail.)

I shall wade through the official "gov. uk" site in the morning, but would gratefully read of members knowledge /experiences here, after having bought from abroad through private member or TD sales.

Gracias 

 

[semperfi55 4,707]

The problem with gen watches sometimes

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

Anything above GBP 15 from outside EU is liable to VAT 20%

Above GBP 135 is VAT 20% and import duty 2.5%+

"Gifts" have different value thresholds

Always have to factor in these costs when seeing a cheaper listing outside the EU. 

Bear in mind they include shipping costs into the total commercial value of the  item as well!

It all depends on what your seller wants to write on the customs declaration. 

[Adit 642]

Excellent, thanks for that semperfi 

I guess that applies to just about  every item bought from our TDs then 

Can CBP read Chinese? 

I shall have a read of that link tomorrow, thanks again. Goodnight

[BadPickle 2,742]

Just now, Adit said:

Excellent, thanks for that semperfi 

I guess that applies to just about  every item bought from our TDs then 

Can CBP read Chinese? 

I shall have a read of that link tomorrow, thanks again. Goodnight

The TD’s will write a lesser value on the customs declaration in an attempt to avoid customs charges, it generally works but not always. In the 100 (ish) watches I have purchased from TD’s maybe four or five have been caught by customs, from memory I’ve paid anywhere from 12quid to 35quid import tax, of which 2/3rds would be admin fees 

[semperfi55 4,707]

 

28 minutes ago, Adit said:

Excellent, thanks for that semperfi 

I guess that applies to just about  every item bought from our TDs then 

I shall have a read of that link tomorrow, thanks again. Goodnight

TDs are savvy enough to write all sorts on the declaration: Toy watch/watch parts/stop watch/timer. I’ve seen all sorts! They usually place the value between $10-$20. Gate sellers write similar things too.

But like what PBR said, it varies and not always foolproof. 

Of the many reps and gens I bought, I have paid duty once,  for a gen Rolex dial from the US. Fuckin honest sellers...

 

[Adit 642]

Some really helpful (and confidence-boosting) info there chaps, so thanks for that, it's all building up nicely to the "take-the-plunge" moment. I've whittled it down to around only a dozen or so watches which I've now decided that I apparently can't live without! 

9 hours ago, pickledbeetroot said:

The TD’s will write a lesser value on the customs declaration in an attempt to avoid customs charges, it generally works but not always. In the 100 (ish) watches I have purchased from TD’s...

 How many??!!

 

8 hours ago, semperfi55 said:

 

Of the many reps and gens I bought, I have paid duty once,  for a gen Rolex dial from the US. Fuckin honest sellers...

 

Yeah, damn those trustworthy dealers!  

[BadPickle 2,742]

52 minutes ago, Adit said:

 

 How many??!!

 

 

 

[Stufuse 73]

In uk You’re allowed up to £39 as a gift

Anything over £389 value you pay import duty. You then pay additional customs duty on item above £139

 

I’ve been hit with import duty on every part ordered from US then a handling fee on top (sellers won’t always mark as a gift) usually

Never had a Chinese seller refuse to do so, legit goods or not

[Viking95 3]

Do they send it via DHL to the UK?

In the US it seems fedex and ups have a much higher chance if you getting charged duty vs the postal service or dhl