Importing inexpensive boat bits from USA

[cygnusv]

I've just bought a part from USA that I have been unable to find in the UK. Total cost under £20 including first class postage. Does anyone know what happens when this (thermostat) small package hits the UK? Will I be contacted by UK customs to pay duty and VAT etc?

Thanks in advance

 

[Rigger Mortice]

I've bought lots of stuff from the Far East and never had any customs involvement. I've never bought anything from the US (they always seem to charge silly amounts for delivery) but I can't imagine it would be any different.

 

[TonyBuckley]

Last time I bought from abroad (Hong Kong - Camera), the carrier added and collected the duty and then charged me for the privelege of them doing so!

 

[pagoda]

I've bought lots of stuff from the Far East and never had any customs involvement. I've never bought anything from the US (they always seem to charge silly amounts for delivery) but I can't imagine it would be any different.

Similar experience. Minimal hassle with low value items.
However, if they decide duty / VAT is required, the postage will be added in as "value" !. Royal Mail will then bung a duty collection charge on top, leave a postcard requiring you to go to the sorting office to collect said item...
That can get to be a real PITA.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Similar experience. Minimal hassle with low value items.
However, if they decide duty / VAT is required, the postage will be added in as "value" !. Royal Mail will then bung a duty collection charge on top, leave a postcard requiring you to go to the sorting office to collect said item...
That can get to be a real PITA.

Though of course you can just not collect it and write off the cost. However. I have never been charged anything on smallish things coming from abroad.

 

[Sailfree]

Last time I bought from abroad (Hong Kong - Camera), the carrier added and collected the duty and then charged me for the privelege of them doing so!

Thats my experience to. I thinmk it depends on the carrier the supplier uses.

 

[Neil_Y]

If goods are valued at more than £15.00 you pay vat, if the duty is less than £9.00 you don't get charged duty. Duty rates vary depending on what it is. There's a huge list somewhere on HMRC import site.

 

[cygnusv]

If goods are valued at more than £15.00 you pay vat, if the duty is less than £9.00 you don't get charged duty. Duty rates vary depending on what it is. There's a huge list somewhere on HMRC import site.

I've done HMRC and as usual it's as clear as mud. Anyone had direct experience of importing from the States?

Forgot to add. The carrier is USPO first class delivery. I'm not using a carrier as such.

 

[Afraid Knot]

Probably means that your package will be delivered by Parceforce, they'll will pay any duty and/or VAT then invoice you via a letter which also arranges a delivery day, Oh! nearly forgot, they will also charge you something like £13.50 for their services in addition to any other charges. :encouragement:

 

[simonfraser]

ask the supplier to unwrap it and send it as a gift or sample

 

[jac]

Just bought outboard parts from USA. £26 order. Post office charged £8 handling fee plus the customs charges. Got a card through the door when PO received goods. Go online and pay and choose delivery date. Factor in that charge before you order.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've received a RAM mount and tablet holder for a Samsung Tab2 10.1 tablet so I can mount it under the spray hood. Cost was $23.95 on the label but I paid $53.95 + $18 p&p - on ebay. If I had bought in uk I would have paid over £70 but in fact paid £42.70 which is a lot cheaper!
No charges and delivered by Royal Mail. Very pleased and it looks as though it will be perfect on the boat and very robust. I did try and get in UK but no dealers nearby who stocked any of the bits.

 

[Vitesse]

I brought 2 outboard parts from the USA. First part arrived with no duty payable. The second one (similar value) cost me £30 in UPS fees.

My wife's business occasionally imports from Korea. Some parcels are charged, some are not.

 

[theoldsalt]

I've received a RAM mount and tablet holder for a Samsung Tab2 10.1 tablet......... I did try and get in UK but no dealers nearby who stocked any of the bits.

For anyone interested, RAM mounts available in the UK from here http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/
My personal experience is excellent service.

 

[PetiteFleur]

For anyone interested, RAM mounts available in the UK from here http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/
My personal experience is excellent service.

But still expensive compared to US prices and my experience!