Buying goods from the EU... now that we know what 'Leave' meant

[Kelpie]

I just tried a dummy order with ferropilot.de, from whom I have twice bought solar panels, and they seem perfectly happy to ship to the UK as before. I haven't actually ordered, though, so there may be pitfalls.

The German seller I've previously used on eBay still says on the listing that they deliver to the UK, two 100w panels for a very reasonable total of £112. I even got as far as paying for them. But the order was refunded and cancelled, no alternative options offered.

 

[Kelpie]

I don't personally so can't say. I don't buy anything from eBay or other single traders.

Ok thanks anyway.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

That's all very interesting but the problems I've encountered have nothing to do with VAT.
One Chinese supplier have trebled their shipping charges to the UK, the other have simply refused to deliver here.
From what they've said it's to do with finding an alternative shipping route that doesn't go through the EU. Maybe VAT is involved but that hasn't been mentioned and I'm not sure I see how it's relevant.

Oh, didn't realize that. Perhaps the ships from Asia come into Europort and then get trucked to the UK and it's that final bit that's causing the problem. There shouldn't be a problem with goods going from customs area A to area B via area C if they do nothing in C other than trans-shipment. I can understand it's all in the air and a michty muddle at the moment.

 

[newtothis]

One Chinese supplier have trebled their shipping charges to the UK, the other have simply refused to deliver here.

To be fair, freight rates from Asia to Europe/UK have quadrupled since October.

 

[Kelpie]

To be fair, freight rates from Asia to Europe/UK have quadrupled since October.

This is the email I received on the 23rd of November last year:

Because UK is no longer belongs to EU countries, so shipping fee is higher than before.

Could you received it in any EU countries?
Shipping fee will be much cheaper.

Thanks.

This was from RJ Energy, who are one of the highest rated suppliers and who several people on this forum have used in the past. I queried the reply pointing out that the transition period was still in force, but that made no difference.

 

[colind3782]

DPD have suspended road shipping to the EU:

We're pausing our European Road Service (dpd.co.uk)