Importing From The Usa

[RyanRs]

or better still.. how much would i pay if the item is $4265 +$300 shipping.. ??? it is a short block of an engine.

thanx

[nmt_oli]

whenever ive been taxed its worked out nearly a third on top total, had: VAT (17.5%) + Import tax (12%) + handling fee (£30)

you may be lucky and get away with it, it may be different, but thats what i got when my parcels were opened in customs.

[F-Stop Junkie]

Just to clarify, the way it's worked out is this:

(Cost of item and shipping) subject to import duty - probably between 5% and 15% depending on what code the tax man uses.

The new amount INCLUDING the import duty is then subject to VAT at 17.5%. Why you pay VAT on the import duty I do not know.

You then usually pay a handling charge to the courier company and/or Customs.

Yeah, about a third is a good estimate, but research as much as you can. It's easy to be overcharged and not realise.

[RyanRs]

i assume thats all worked out / added on in dollars and then converted into GPB ..

if so, does this sound about right?

$4265

+15% ($640)

--------

$4905

+17.5% ($860)

--------

$5765

+$60 handling fee

--------

$5825

= £3013 GBP grand total

= £807 GBP total in taxes

[TomR]

It differs for different items. Check the Revenue & Customs website (http://www.hmce.gov.uk) and theres a downloadable Pdf that lists everything you need to know.