UK import duty from the EU post 2021

[Darcus]

I'm sure I'm not the first or the last to ask this so apologise for repeating the question!

Buying a used part in the EU wet based in the UK.

Is there duty to pay? and how does this work?

THANKS

 

[slackboy]

Assuming you are buying privately. The courier collects duty from you prior to delivery
Duty varied depending on the item you've bought, but bike frames are 4.7%.

It's calculated like this

(Item price + post) X duty = new price
New price X vat
+ Courier handling fee

 

[Darcus]

Assuming you are buying privately. The courier collects duty from you prior to delivery
Duty varied depending on the item you've bought, but bike frames are 4.7%.

It's calculated like this

(Item price + post) X duty = new price
New price X vat
+ Courier handling fee

Ok thanks for this. Is there a way to avoid it? i.e a family and friends type scenario?

 

[slackboy]

you could have the sender declare a zero value for the goods and / or mark it as a gift. Customs were generally a bit lax about checking stuff 12 months ago but I think they've geared up a bit no we're out of the brexit transition period.

 

[chambo34]

Problem with zero value or undervaluing is that if it gets lost you lose out. Prior to Brexit I regularly posted to EU countries, post Brexit it appears that 19% or so is being levied if importing from the EU or to the UK, trouble is its not even applied all the time. I sent a pair of shoes valued at £130 to a friend in Germany with post and import duty they were over £200.

 

[slackboy]

True, but the only times I've tried to claim for lost or damaged items the courier managed to week out of it anyway

 

[al-onestare]

Ok thanks for this. Is there a way to avoid it? i.e a family and friends type scenario?

Yes, remain in the EU.

Well someone was going to say it

 

[Darcus]

Yes, remain in the EU.

Well someone was going to say it

I would love to

 

[Tootyred]

Value including insurance and postage comes into play too. There are 2 step up points £39 and £135. This is where additional handling charges and import duty fall. Vat is still charged.

But, its a bit like the wild west and trying to argue after the fact with customs is just a futile waste of time.

 

[mdvineng]

Value including insurance and postage comes into play too. There are 2 step up points £39 and £135. This is where additional handling charges and import duty fall. Vat is still charged.

But, its a bit like the wild west and trying to argue after the fact with customs is just a futile waste of time.

I just had one of those futile experiences with Border Force/HMRC. Having to pay 21p in import duties and £27 plus in VAT for mailing back my stuff from Madrid to Manchester, on stuff that I had originally bought and paid VAT on in Manchester. Royal Mail also wanted £12 for processing.