UK Customs Charges

[mathias broucek]

Does anyone know whether the UK custimes ceiling is based on the value of the goods alone or the goods plus shipping (am ordering from a US website).

Thanks

[PJPJ]

It seems to be based on what the vendor puts on the customs declaration. Sometimes they add the postage as well and I've suffered twice as a result.

[Bryn]

It seems to be based on what the vendor puts on the customs declaration. Sometimes they add the postage as well and I've suffered twice as a result.

Though I think it is supposed to be based on the value of the goods, so if you wanted to challenge the inclusion of p&p you might just win out in the end. Do remember the 'ceiling' in now only £15 though. Also, VAT is payable on the postal charges, so that might make the calculation of the limit a little more complicated.

https://www.gov.uk/importing-and-exporting-by-post/importing-by-post

[Tony Halstead]

I recently imported a horn ( with valves!) from the USA.
The cost of the horn was £3000 and the shipping was £150.
This is what I ended up paying:
£3150 ( to the USA shop) plus Customs duty @ 6.5% of £3150 : £204.75, sub total £3354.75
PLUS 20% VAT : £670.95
PLUS Royal Mail 'handling charge' of £40 .
'sub-tota'l £885.70 aggregate of customs duty and VAT.
final total: £4,035.70

[mathias broucek]

Though I think it is supposed to be based on the value of the goods, so if you wanted to challenge the inclusion of p&p you might just win out in the end. Do remember the 'ceiling' in now only £15 though. Also, VAT is payable on the postal charges, so that might make the calculation of the limit a little more complicated.

https://www.gov.uk/importing-and-exp...orting-by-post

Thanks guys. Sounds like the correct version is 20% of (goods + p&p) assuming goods are worth £15-135.

Waldhorn - I feel your pain.....