Import duties etc from the EU

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 9:01 am

Specifically Italy

Found a set of winter spec wheels I'd really like, which aren't cheap and there will additional costs for importing. I should probably know but how would I calculate VAT and duty charges? Had a quick Google but can't find the info needed.

** seller says there is no VAT for personal import?

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:45 am

This page may help for Personal Imports (you have to be transporting them though).

https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use

For businesses it’s anything valued at more than £135. Those attract VAT plus a 2.5% Duty. VAT is chargeable on everything (goods, P&P, Insurance). I’m guessing that if it’s shipped by a business to you then duty may well be charged.

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 10:51 am

I think I found that info or very similar, it seems that's obviously biased towards bringing stuff in personally rather couriered. Nasty (expensive) surprises are never welcome. I may have to ring HMRC.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 11:59 am

Good luck with that! We needed to talk to them recently and were told it could take up to two weeks to get an answer.

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 1:33 pm

Seller insists no VAT on personal imports. Established DPD would be the courier so have asked them. 72 hour response time apparently

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 1:48 pm

It may depend upon the actual value (what you paid for things) and whether they were made within the EU itself. In any event (and if I’m reading it right) the rules seem to apply if you are personally bringing them across the border.

I’m referring to this bit:
If the total value is less than £1,000

If the total value of all the items you declare is less than £1,000 the evidence for each item can be:

a label or packaging showing it was grown or made in the EU
evidence it was hand-made or grown in the EU (for example, a document or written note from the person or business you bought it from)

A Border Force officer might ask to see this evidence. If you are unable to show this, you will have to pay any customs duty you owe.

What I can’t find anything about is whether it has to be new or used so it may not matter. As often the case it isn’t clear. DOD will almost certainly know as they are on the hook for collecting duties from you. You could always say to the Seller that if there is VAT then you refuse delivery and put the case into ‘dispute’ with PayPal (or whoever you think if using).

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 5:00 pm

It seems likely that HMRC will definitely want their share. Frustrating but no surprises.

These are the 'perfect' winter set supplied for the F15/16 in 10"F & 10.5"R but aren't inexpensive at £1300 at point of purchase. Decisions

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:20 am

After a lengthy chat with eBay, who advised they wouldn't add anything (VAT) at point of purchase, they assured me HMRC, via the courier would want VAT and duty and as we know that means the courier adds another hefty fee to cover that activity on behalf of HMRC.

It became obvious this was not the best I could do with the final cost being around £1700.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Wed Oct 26, 2022 9:02 am

In Italy there might be a local errmm exception…and it isn’t the Seller’s problem

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Wed Oct 26, 2022 9:09 am

This wouldn't be a problem in Greece either, but then the wheels would be in he wrong country, even tax free that's of no use to me

sapphireblack · Post by **sapphireblack** » Sat Oct 29, 2022 9:03 am

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