UK Import Charges

[sblueplanet]

Has anyone imported a 2nd hand bass from outwith the EU recently? How are import duties worked out and is it straightforward to pay for and collect the instrument?

Edited September 11, 2014 by sblueplanet

[neepheid]

http://www.dutycalculator.com/help_center/example-calculation-import-duty-and-taxes-for-a-guitar-and-amp/

Bit of a complicated example, but it does highlight the possibilities.

Paying for the duty/tax depends upon the courier. If it's USPS, they hand over to ParcelForce who pay the duty/tax on your behalf then send you an invoice through your door (with an admin fee of course) which you have to settle before you get the parcel - you can pay online or down at the depot. Pretty sure I remember FedEx deliver first then issue an invoice. Can't comment on others.

[woodster]

It's worked out on the value of the instrument as stated by the person sending it. Currently it's about 3.5% import duty plus 20% VAT and is payable before collection as stated above. I've had deliveries from UPS and they have taken payment on the doorstep in the past.
The seller COULD quote a lower value when shipping to save you money but that gets dodgy if customs open the package or it goes missing and you try to claim your money back.

[BigRedX]

A quick rule of thumb is to add 25% to the price of the bass plus the shipping.

[sblueplanet]

Cheers people. 25% adds a fair whack to potential costs. I guess it all depends on my GAS levels to whether I commit, haha.

[Paul S]

The duty is calculated after the shipping cost, as well. So, for example, your bass costs £200, shipping £50, duty calculated on £250 plus Parcel Force charge a handling fee - around £13 iirc.

[inthedoghouse]

It's been a couple of years since I've imported a guitar from the USA. Maybe the taxman has tightened up more now but I've had hit and miss experiences where sometimes I've been charged a lot and sometimes a big parcel has arrived at my door with nothing to pay.