Frame postage cost from USA

[JustKev]

import duty is dependant on who checks it, i got told i might not get charged on a frame as it was old and not expensive. but you never know.

Duty and VAT is calculated on the declared value of the item plus the shipping cost.

Be prepared to pay an extra 25% and you won't have any nasty suprises but may be pleasantly suprised.

I bought a bike for $1400US and was charged £57 and a wheel for $300 and was charged £46. Swings and roundabouts - sometimes worth taking a small hit if you regularly buy from outside the EU

 

[Crell]

import duty is dependant on who checks it, i got told i might not get charged on a frame as it was old and not expensive. but you never know.

Duty and VAT is calculated on the declared value of the item plus the shipping cost.

Be prepared to pay an extra 25% and you won't have any nasty suprises but may be pleasantly suprised.

I bought a bike for $1400US and was charged £57 and a wheel for $300 and was charged £46. Swings and roundabouts - sometimes worth taking a small hit if you regularly buy from outside the EU

Or a value they "choose" if they beleive the item is mis-declared. Which is why there can be big fluctuations in what you pay (the figure is random :roll: ) . Don't forget the Royal Mail robbery charge as well for "opening " your package.

 

[ededwards]

Or a value they "choose" if they beleive the item is mis-declared. Which is why there can be big fluctuations in what you pay (the figure is random :roll: ) . Don't forget the Royal Mail robbery charge as well for "opening " your package.

Yep, reckon it is random (almost £80 for a 17 year old frame and some parts but no wheels, forks, chain, bars, rear mech so by no streatch a bike) although you can appeal and I know some have done so with success.

I reckon Kev's approach is spot on - add 25% and if you don't get charged it's just bonus money to be wasted/invested on more tat/essential quality items

 

[Andy R]

With the last frame I imported the problem was that not only did I get charged import duty and VAT but the duty was charged at the rate applicable to a complete bike and not just a component (the frame).

It seems that it even makes a difference what material the frame is made from and whether it is painted or not. The list is endless...... :roll:

I did successfully appeal against this and got a few bob back - against that there was the time spent traipsing to and from the C&E office, filling in forms etc. but it was more a matter of principle.

 

[njgoldby]

Yep Third that Kev.

I look at the part cost in US add shipping and add 30% if the total it is still cheaper than UK price its a goer. That way if it gets through its a bonus. If you get picked up by customs you have still paid less than UK price.

I ordered $200 of parts from Jensons and paid about 22% extra including the royal mail handling charges. Not to bad considering they are a lot cheaper anyway.
My friend received his new complete bike last week and had to pay about £500 extra a whopping 32%. It included storage fees from parcel force and hadling fees.

Hope this helps you calculate the risk.

 

[Russell]

My friend received his new complete bike last week and had to pay about £500 extra a whopping 32%. It included storage fees from parcel force and hadling fees.

Hope this helps you calculate the risk.

A flight to NYC is £300, you can get a bike shipped to an address in the States and go pick it up yourself for less than £500. Charges like that are close to blackmail in my opinion. You have to pay it because you want the stuff.. its legalised extortion.

 

[njgoldby]

Agreed. Has anyone any experiance of bringing back frames in suitcases.

Are you likley to get stopped. If so do you just pay the VAT or any additional fees?