Import Duty

[uksparks]

Hi,

I purchased a castanet machine from a shop in Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago, turns up today, had to pay import duty. The item was $29, so about £15, I had to then pay £8.00 VAT and £8.17 handling, so another £16.17, what robbing b**** they are!

 

[snowhead]

The item was $29, so about £15, I had to then pay £8.00 VAT and £8.17 handling, so another £16.17, what robbing b**** they are!

I've bought a lot of car parts over the years from the States, the handling charge varies from carrier to carrier.
It is possible nowadays with a few suppliers to pay the vat/duty in advance which avoids the Carriers charge for dealing with it. It comes up as an option at the checkout.

Import duty is due on the value of goods at the specific rate and Vat is charged on value goods + that duty plus shipping charge +Vat