Does anyone understand import taxes?

[Homer J]

Just bought a pedestal cover from Spain for 283 euros. Now been asked to pay £61 in import tax? How do they calculate these? Are the different levels for each item. Struggling not to rage against the ‘B’ word here.

 

[GrahamD]

But we have taken back sovereignty and control. Surely that is worth far more than some additional taxation

Pay up and rejoice!!

 

[Tranona]

Just bought a pedestal cover from Spain for 283 euros. Now been asked to pay £61 in import tax? How do they calculate these? Are the different levels for each item. Struggling not to rage against the ‘B’ word here.

How is that broken down? VAT would be payable plus an administrative fee from the carrier. Duty may be payable depending on the code that it was declared. Most EU made goods do not have duty because of the free trade agreement, but goods originating outside the EU (or significant elements) could be subject to import duty as they are not covered by the agreement.

 

[st599]

You pay a fee to the importer to calculate the cost (normally flat rate), then you pay UK VAT on the value of the goods + shipping costs, then you pay the Import Duty.

The Import Duty depends on the item, where they were made, etc.

 

[Bilgediver]

Just bought a pedestal cover from Spain for 283 euros. Now been asked to pay £61 in import tax? How do they calculate these? Are the different levels for each item. Struggling not to rage against the ‘B’ word here.

One thing to remember when you buy goods for delivery to this country from abroad that you want to avoid paying local sales tax. This is usually possible and can avoid double taxation on sales tax. Some countries it is easier than others such as the USA and Canada. others it might be more difficult. It is also possible to not pay or get VAT refunded on purchases made in this country which you export.

 

[Laser310]

But we have taken back sovereignty and control. Surely that is worth far more than some additional taxation

Pay up and rejoice!!

EU has no import taxes on trade within the EU, but has (in many cases) substantial import tax on imports from outside the EU - it is fairly protectionist..., and individual EU states are not free to set their own policy in this area

If it weren't protectionist.., and were an open market for trade, there would be no reason for a "deal"...

in any case Britain is now free to get rid of import taxes, or impose them.., as it sees fit. WTO has some rules on targeted import duties, but it is largely up to individual nations or trading blocks to decide what their residents should pay for the privilege of importing an item.

British taxes on imported goods are not a necessary consequence of Brexit. The Johnson government is free to reduce or eliminate them.

The US, for example, has almost no import taxes. Import taxes are about 1% on most goods.

 

[ms.lau]

That's simply VAT (20%) on the cost of the item and the shipping costs. It isn't import duty/tax.

 

[MikeCC]

As long as you didnt pay Spanish VAT as well, that's about right. About a tenner for carrier customs handling and the rest is VAT.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

err...
Yes.
I've lived outside of the EU for 20 years. Right in the middle of Europe.
It helps if your VAT rate is 7.7% compared to Spain's 21%