Importing 2nd hand from the USA?

[Thomas8861]

Can anyone advise what is the tax (VAT?) situation if I buy old and 2nd hand in the states (Florida or New York) and have it shipped or delivered back to Southampton - who do I tell and how? Any advice welcomed.

 

[sailor211]

When I have imported from the USA in small packages the shipper DHL, UPS etc have done all the paperwork and invoiced me for the VAT Duty based in value given by the shipper, plus their handling charge.

I think if it is sent as a personnel package by post it will also be picked up if it has a commercial value declared. I once sent a small gift to a Canadian colleague (declared value £5:-- gift) he sent me something in replay and boasted how much it cost 300$can and I got a VAT & duty bill!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[Salty John]

I assume you mean a boat? In that case you pay VAT at 17.5% on top of the purchase price or customs valuation plus freight. Your problem, however, will be RCD compliance to get the boat CE marked so it can be put into service in UK/EU.
Lots on this subject on this forum if you can get the search facility to work.

 

[bazobeleza]

There was a recent article on a boat being brought into the the UK from America being impounded until he had obtained an RCD category on the boat.

I think the final resolution was to go for the lowest possible RCD category available due to the cost.

However, if the boat purchased in the USA is of European manufacture does that craft not already have an RCD grading?

 

[Whitelighter]

you also pay import tax of 1.7% on the boats value on top of VAT