The B word

[Steve Browning]

Hi Mods

I wonder if there is any thought to add a note to the For Sale forums, reminding people that any sale from outside the UK will be subject to VAT and Duty when it arrives in the UK. The value is the goods + delivery costs and so people could easily (likely) end up paying 25% more than the advertised price that they see on the forum.

[stevie]

Hmmm. The mods are in exactly the same position as everyone else with a business. They can't do anything because they don't know where we'll be on Jan 1st. Nobody knows. Maybe the government will decide to exercise its new-found sovereignty by bringing back purchase tax. VAT is an EU invention after all.

[ped]

3 minutes ago, stevie said:

Hmmm. The mods are in exactly the same position as everyone else with a business. They can't do anything because they don't know where we'll be on Jan 1st. Nobody knows. Maybe the government will decide to exercise its new-found sovereignty by bringing back purchase tax. VAT is an EU invention after all.

That  thanks Stevie

[Steve Browning]

As you wish. You're entirely wrong but no matter. Goods will be subject to VAT and Duty going out or coming in. There's absolutely no doubt.

I'm sure people will know. I was just thinking that a gentle reminder would avoid any nasty surprises for buyers and sellers on the forum.

[ped]

Let's just wait and see eh

[MacDaddy]

not sure if we've had anything on sale from the USA, but the mods would not have been expected to warn about customs charges for that. Same goes for any other country?

[Steve Browning]

It was only intended as a friendly reminder, Sellers will be aware that their cost to their buyer will be around 25% more than they receive.

[Basinski]

8 hours ago, MacDaddy said:

not sure if we've had anything on sale from the USA, but the mods would not have been expected to warn about customs charges for that. Same goes for any other country?

It’s always been the case for things coming from America though. Having to for items from the EU will be a new thing, and is likely to catch a few people out.

[MacDaddy]

16 hours ago, Basinski said:

It’s always been the case for things coming from America though. Having to for items from the EU will be a new thing, and is likely to catch a few people out.

there are people on here who have been mightily surprised to receive a custom fees payable request, instead of their purchase from the States 🤣

The EU uncertainty may work in our favour and some things might get through ok. If not maybe we could organise a Basschat equivalent of a booze cruise, but for musical instruments? 😃

But as @ped said, it's a waiting game.

[Steve Browning]

The new Duty free allowances from 1/1/21 - you note VAT is being charged.

Alcohol allowance

How much you can bring depends on the type of drink. You can bring in both:

• beer - 42 litres
• wine (not sparkling) - 18 litres

You can also bring in either:

• spirits and other liquors over 22% alcohol - 4 litres
• fortified wine (for example port, sherry), sparkling wine and alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol - 9 litres

You can split this last allowance, for example you could bring 4.5 litres of fortified wine and 2 litres of spirits (both half of your allowance).

You will have to pay excise duty and VAT on alcohol you declare. You may also have to pay customs duty.

Tobacco allowance

You can bring in one from the following:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 50 cigars
• 250g tobacco
• 200 sticks of tobacco for heating

You can split this allowance - for example you could bring in 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars (both half of your allowance).

You will have to pay excise duty, VAT and customs duty on tobacco you declare.

Alcohol and tobacco allowances if you’re under 17

There are no allowances for tobacco or alcohol if you’re under 17. You can bring alcohol and tobacco to the UK for your own use but you’ll have to pay duty or tax on them using an online service for passengers from 1 January 2021.

Allowance for other goods

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat). If a single item’s worth more than your allowance you pay duty or tax on its full value, not just the value above the allowance.

If you go over your allowance then you will pay customs duty on the total value of your goods. The rate:

• is 2.5% for goods worth up to £630
• depends on the type of goods if they’re worth more than £630

From 1 January 2021, you will be able to check your allowances, make a declaration and pay any tax using an online service for passengers.

You will also have to pay VAT at the standard UK rates.