VAT on imports

[camerart]

Hi,

I buy a fair bit from the east, and most of it arrives VAT free. When I received my Electric wheel and controls, I received a VAT bill, plus a Charge of £8. I was wondering if it is possible when ordering larger items, whether VAT could be declared and paid as the order is placed, and avoid the £8 charge?

Camerart.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

We've been importing for years and never found a way of avoiding the charges when importing from outside the EU... sorry can't be more positive, there doesn't appear to be a way to pre-pay. You just have to factor in the % of times things slip though with no charge against the times you do get charged.

 

[stevew]

Think Ground Effect cycle clothing from NZ do something like this.

 

[trex]

the rules are simple: inside EU: VAT is charged at sellers' country's rate (unless you are registered for VAT), outside the EU: up to £40, it's up the the courier, usually free. About £40: VAT and import duty are owed, +£10 admin fees.
Duty rate for bike kits is around 5%.

 

[camerart]

the rules are simple: inside EU: VAT is charged at sellers' country's rate (unless you are registered for VAT), outside the EU: up to £40, it's up the the courier, usually free. About £40: VAT and import duty are owed, +£10 admin fees.
Duty rate for bike kits is around 5%.

Hi,

I accept the rules ok. I am interested in saving the admin fees, by paying the expected VAT when ordering. Perhaps it will happen in the future?

C.

 

[KTM Bike Industries UK]

cant see it being changed, its in the courier companies interests to charge you some admin for something, so if they don't get you for this, they will find something else. Its basically financial blackmail, because they have your goods and you have to pay.