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Buying stuff from the states

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 1:28 pm
by ATR84
I am looking to buy a dc sports manifold and downpipe and it seems to work out about £100 cheaper to buy it from the states even after postage. However, when it arrives here will I get slapped with some import tax or something? Does anyone know?

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 1:38 pm
by wurlycorner
Yes, you will slapped for VAT and import duty on the declared value (declared by the seller, not you!).

Have a quick search on google for uk import duty and the hmrc or royal mail website will tell you all about it, it's pretty straight forward.

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 1:48 pm
by NafemanNathan
How much does it come to including postage? Multiply that by 1.2 for VAT and add £8 for admin fees. That'll give you the ball park.

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 2:24 pm
by RattyMcClelland
You might as well just import a propper hytech replica and get the 20bhp potential increase.

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 2:58 pm
by Ferdie
When People send products from usa you must ask if the put a lower price on the package ;)

Thats what I do here in netherlands second hand car product and value verry low

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:14 pm
by ATR84
RattyMcClelland wrote:You might as well just import a propper hytech replica and get the 20bhp potential increase.
Don't think I can because I want to keep the standard cat and the collector won't fit.......

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:29 pm
by prelude91
OOps, I've ordered a replacement No3 down-pipe for my 650 Honda from the U.S. Total value incl. packaging 100 bucks. The item itself is 60 bucks, and its unobtainable either from Japan or Europe. Interesting to see how much import tax I get stumped for.

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:38 pm
by NafemanNathan
Ferdie wrote:When People send products from usa you must ask if the put a lower price on the package ;)

Thats what I do here in netherlands second hand car product and value verry low
A lot won't do that these days because they/you get screwed over if it gets damaged or lost as the insurance won't then pay up its true value.

Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2015 4:19 pm
by wurlycorner
Plus there's the risk of prosecution if the package happens to be one of the randoms that customs open. Not so bad for private individuals (how would they prove it wasn't a 'gift') but pretty straight forward to prove a company has under-declared the value, by just checking the receipt! :lol: