I was going to buy a DVD boxset from america which is only available from one website. But I've just been told that along with the shipping cost ($30) I would have to pay and extra customs charge when it arrives in the UK. Is this correct?
I was going to buy a DVD boxset from america which is only available from one website. But I've just been told that along with the shipping cost ($30) I would have to pay and extra customs charge when it arrives in the UK. Is this correct?
I think the upper limit for customs duties is around £19 value (beyond that, you have to pay), but I don't think this applies to gifts, so I've sometimes had things sent that are marked as gifts. Of course, if they discover that it's NOT a gift (invoice on the front, or something), they'll still charge you!
I think the upper limit for customs duties is around £19 value (beyond that, you have to pay), but I don't think this applies to gifts, so I've sometimes had things sent that are marked as gifts. Of course, if they discover that it's NOT a gift (invoice on the front, or something), they'll still charge you!
I orderes a cd of the site a few months ago which came to £32 and didn't have to pay anything, but a friend sent for the DVD and got charged £18 customs fees
I orderes a cd of the site a few months ago which came to £32 and didn't have to pay anything, but a friend sent for the DVD and got charged £18 customs fees
It can be a bit hit and miss. Sometimes things slip through.
I was going to buy a DVD boxset from america which is only available from one website. But I've just been told that along with the shipping cost ($30) I would have to pay and extra customs charge when it arrives in the UK. Is this correct?
The answer to your question may be found on the HMRC website. First bullet on this page:
Okay, there are two different things to consider; customs duty and import VAT.
On consignments valued at up to £15 there is no customs duty due and no VAT due.
On consignments valued between £15.01 and £135 there is no customs duty due but VAT is due at the normal prevailing rate.
On consignments valued over £135 both customs duty and VAT are due. The customs duty is waived if the amount due is under £9. VAT is due at the normal prevailing rate.
Gifts to the addressee valued at up to £40 do not attract customs duty or VAT, but follow the above rules at values above £40.
I'm curious OP, if you don't mind me asking, what the DVD is? I just wonder why it's only available from one particular website? Is it the distributor's website only? I just wanted to make sure it's not one of those dodgy websites which claims to have box-sets which have never been officially released.
Also is the box-set very heavy or are they sending it by courier? $30 for shipping seems like a lot for a DVD from the U.S.
I'm curious OP, if you don't mind me asking, what the DVD is? I just wonder why it's only available from one particular website? Is it the distributor's website only? I just wanted to make sure it's not one of those dodgy websites which claims to have box-sets which have never been officially released.
Also is the box-set very heavy or are they sending it by courier? $30 for shipping seems like a lot for a DVD from the U.S.
No its not a dodgy site, its band merch from their website. Its 5 concerts on 5 dvds boxset
Comments
I think the upper limit for customs duties is around £19 value (beyond that, you have to pay), but I don't think this applies to gifts, so I've sometimes had things sent that are marked as gifts. Of course, if they discover that it's NOT a gift (invoice on the front, or something), they'll still charge you!
The answer to your question may be found on the HMRC website. First bullet on this page:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/internet.htm
Not necessarily - and don't forget the post office adds on a handling charge so it hikes up the amount you have to pay, sometimes by quite a lot.
On consignments valued at up to £15 there is no customs duty due and no VAT due.
On consignments valued between £15.01 and £135 there is no customs duty due but VAT is due at the normal prevailing rate.
On consignments valued over £135 both customs duty and VAT are due. The customs duty is waived if the amount due is under £9. VAT is due at the normal prevailing rate.
Gifts to the addressee valued at up to £40 do not attract customs duty or VAT, but follow the above rules at values above £40.
Also is the box-set very heavy or are they sending it by courier? $30 for shipping seems like a lot for a DVD from the U.S.
No its not a dodgy site, its band merch from their website. Its 5 concerts on 5 dvds boxset