Import duty

brxpb · Jul 18, 2015

Do any UK members know what duty is payable when importing commando goodies from the U.S.?

Fast Eddie · Jul 19, 2015

I think its 20%.

Plus a handling fee.

Plus the actual postage and insurance.

It adds up...

pierodn · Jul 19, 2015

Hi,
In Italy i pay 22% for VAT plus 8 % for custom.
Ciao
Piero

nickguzzi · Jul 19, 2015

I bought some clothing and the p&p, import duty, VAT and the handling charge from the carrier to inform HMRC I was buying stuff abroad, more or less doubled the price I paid for the items.
Some carriers will automatically inform HMRC as it is extra revenue for them, some don't.

Unfortunately I only recently dumped the paperwork or I could tell you who it was to avoid.

If the bits are second hand, are they not exempt Duty? VAT?
Are the HMRC not wise to the "Gift" thing?

pev · Jul 19, 2015

I'm in the Uk and often get stuff from abroad but never seem to have to pay duty, maybe I've been lucky.

chasbmw · Jul 20, 2015

I have a feeling that duty is not payable if the goods have a declared value under 50$, if the item is sent to a business address then it's much more likely to get caught for duty and fees, generally it a matter of luck

kommando · Jul 21, 2015

Under £15 which includes the freight/postage there is no duty or VAT to pay, if it is declared as a gift this increases to £30. VAT is 20% and the duty varies based on the commodity code but 2 to 3% is normal. The Post Office will charge a handling fee if there is vat and duty to pay. Declared as a commercial sample is also VAT/duty free, and commodity code starting 9705 is 5% VAT (see below).

Of specific assistance is the use of the 97 series commodity codes if you can get HRMC to agree, it worked for me on a 1965 T120R which came through with 5% VAT.

Classifying ‘classic’ vehicles and parts
Chapter 87 includes classification of ‘classic or collectors’ cars and their (‘original authentic’ as opposed to modern) parts for vehicles unless they meet the prescribed criteria found at note 6 to chapter 97 in the Tariff.

Racing cars which can be proven to have been designed, built and used solely for competition may be classified under chapter 97 - if they have achieved significant sporting successes at prestigious national or international events.

In order for a vehicle to be considered as eligible for historic collectors vehicle status, you will have to provide information dating the vehicle’s year of manufacture; and you must also state whether substantial changes have been made to the vehicle as modernised or modified vehicles are excluded.

Repairing and restoring is allowed, and broken or worn-out parts, accessories and units can/have been replaced, provided that the vehicle is preserved and maintained in the historically correct condition.

Note that cars less than 30 years old are generally classified to heading 8703.

If you wish to import a vehicle, and you believe it to be a collector’s piece of historic interest (eg of heading 9705), HMRC advise that you should obtain a Binding Tariff Information ruling.

Frankie17 · Jul 22, 2015

post packets up to invoice value of £38.00 should pass through the UK postal VAT / duty exempt

Some carriers do offer a duty pre paid service which can often help depending on where you are shipping from and how valuable the parts are

Fast Eddie · Jul 22, 2015

Lets remember this is a Norton Commando forum... Not many of my (many) parcels were under 38 quid !!

brxpb · Dec 18, 2015

Just for information purposes, I looked this up properly and for importing carburetors into the UK from the US the duty is 6% + the %20 vat.
This link might be useful to UK residents,

http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-impor ... lculation/

Paddy_SP · Dec 18, 2015

Fast Eddie said:
Lets remember this is a Norton Commando forum... Not many of my (many) parcels were under 38 quid !!

Tell me about it...

mcgregor168 · Dec 18, 2015

Australia under $1000 aud it is nothing, over $1000 including freight it will cost you 10% GST payable before it is released from customs.

Cheers John

Bernhard · Dec 19, 2015

Fast Eddie said:
I think its 20%.
Plus a handling fee.
Plus the actual postage and insurance. It adds up...

yes Piero the vat tax on anything to other European countries you pay 22.5 % in Italy, but tell me, why if I buy say, a new bike in Italy , I pay 22% Vat , and import it into another European country where VAT is 20% I cannot claim back the excess 2% :?:

batrider · Dec 19, 2015

My last Matchless order from AMC Classic Spares in England (last week) had the customs form stamped "Spares for over 30 year old motorcycle". Most overseas vendors write in something equivalent. I can't remember ever having to pay duty and I've had some fairly big parts orders over the past 40 years.

It is very easy to buy parts from England, but when I can I try to support our dealers in the USA. The parts situation right now is the best I've ever seen it.

Import duty

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