Can anyone give me a rough guide to what I am likely to expect from customs and excise when importing a good to the UK?

ie. VAT + Customs and excise charges?

All depends on the item, where it is coming from, ect. What are you thinking of ordering and from where?

slap warranty product of gift on the packaging and i dont think they charge.

not sure though

shuttle

i had a digital camera from hong kong about 8 weeks ago and didnt pay any tax, on the box it said books value $20

it was ovious that they wernt books as it was too light, they dont really care that much as long as its not drugs, boose, **** or mail order brides

The gift trick is hit and miss, so be warned.:)

I had 2 packages from hong kong, both were marked up as gifts. 1 got through ok and the other got caught and i was chargd £35 import duty.

if your goods are over 18GBP you will be liable to pay import duty and VAT (excise on goods which attract excise)

Computer parts are DUTY FREE (media isnt)
Books are VAT + DUTY FREE

VAT will be payable at 17.5%
Duty Varies depending on the Tarrif (commodity Code) used for the goods.

Samples are VAT and DUTY free - but only samples can be sent to a company not a home user :(

Also you'll have to pay a fee of 10 quid for using the importers Duty Deferment Account ( used to pay HMCE the charges on ur behalf)



Best bet would be to send via airmail as the royalmails customs control is SHODDY to say the least

Where as FedEX , DHL , UPS etc have proper facilities to enter the goods to customs

Hope this helps a little , if in doubt ring your local Customs office and ask what charges the type of goods your importing attract

hi

i am getting some dvds cheap from canada

will i have to pay tax on these?

thanks!