[DoctoBuntonTen]

I'd imagine the value of the item.

In a similar import situation to yours Chris, I know somebody who also imported a PSP before the European launch (American version), but it was £50-60 import duty unlike 50 Euros you stated. I take it they charge a certain percentage rate like a VAT?

As I understand it, yes.

I imported my PSP from Japan, to Holland. I think that import duty is usually comparable to the sales tax of whichever country you are in, plus a certain percentage added on for customs / handling etc.

Overall I think it ends up being more than your own countries VAT %.

and import tax is based on the value of the item. Shipping costs are done by weight.

[Mjypksun]

Ahh I see. Oh well.

At least it won't be the £500 altogether like I originally thought. lol.

[opergolon]

Depends what it is you are buying..

If its computer parts/equipment, then it is duty free, but still vatable @ 17.%

The VAT is based on the commercial (Invoice) value of the goods , plus any shipping charges.

I work as a customs broker, so if you want any more info, let me know..

[spiveker]

It's 33% here where I live, as were a Brittish Dependant Territory

Some items are duty free like Bibles and business and educational software, all other electronics 33%

[EnubreBense]

I THINK if it's marked as a gift you get away with it, am I right?

[DoctoBuntonTen]

I THINK if it's marked as a gift you get away with it, am I right?

Nope - thats a myth. Plus, if you do that, then it won't be insured for anything other than a nominal amount.

[opergolon]

Actually...

If the goods are sent as a gift, then you can get away with paying Duty/VAT, BUT.....

The Maximum value for the 'Gift' , is about GBP £30.00

[Buincchotourbss]

I THINK if it's marked as a gift you get away with it, am I right?

No - this is a major myth.

OP - It all depends what it is your importing.
Some things have no tax, but you still pay the VAT as you purchased it outside of the EU.
Other things will require import tax and VAT.
You really should contact customs and explain exactly what it is you are importing - they will give you the tax figure on it.

Even with the strong UK £ at the moment, VAT and Tax usually makes the item not really any cheaper than in the UK and then you've also got the added hassle if it turns out to be faulty or does go wrong within the warranty period.

[Mjypksun]

Ahh right I see.

I was planning to import some headlight housing for my car.



And who do I contact if I want to find out how much I'll get taxed?

[xresultsearch]

No - this is a major myth.

No it isn't! However you can't insure it for a decent amount, and if the customs decide to open it you will get jiggered fairly roughly. Fraud and such.

[Mjypksun]

Ok, say if I was to buy an item that would set me around $465AUD inc. shipping to the UK. If I get hit by customs, how much do I expect to pay in customs tax?

[Mjypksun]

anyone?

[DoctoBuntonTen]

465AUD is about 185 GBP.

Trying to remember previous charges I have incurred, I reckon that VERY ROUGHLY, it could be around 30-40 GBP.

When I ordered my PSP from Japan, I got hit with about 50 euro in inport tax, so taking into account the value of that - I think 30-40GBP is a good rough indication for you item.

[Mjypksun]

Ahh thanks for that Chris.

Was just thinking of ordering some HID housing for the car which aren't available in the UK.

Does import tax normally decided by weight of item/size of item or whatever they think the cost of the item is?

[AlabamaBoyz]

Ahh thanks for that Chris.

Was just thinking of ordering some HID housing for the car which aren't available in the UK.

Does import tax normally decided by weight of item/size of item or whatever they think the cost of the item is?

I'd imagine the value of the item.

In a similar import situation to yours Chris, I know somebody who also imported a PSP before the European launch (American version), but it was £50-60 import duty unlike 50 Euros you stated. I take it they charge a certain percentage rate like a VAT?