Any idea what the amount would be on a $300 (300 US dollar) watch into the UK ?, ie how much import and how much VAT, and what's the probability of it getting through without incurring any ?

Ian

 

Import duty is 10% and Vat on top of the total of duty+the original value

Depends how its packed, what the value is marked as, and their general perception.

Ive had stuff go through and not be charged- other times they do.

If you want to risk it then have it marked as 'gift' valued under $10

 

Echo the above info.


You could flat pack it and pretend its a letter.....

 

or if you are really lucky, the postal service might flat pack it for you for free- withou you even asking....

 

Freak & Buck,
You're not helping inspire me to order it !, maybe I should wait till I find someone going and ask them to get it for me,

Ian..

 

Most watches will already be in a presentation box and then hopefully the supplier will pack it into a box. Best bet is to ask them how they ship internationally, would then send it to you in an unmarked box?

 

Buck,
I've been told it comes direct from the manufacturer, so its going to be difficult to get any shady stuff sorted out. Think I'll either have to risk it and pay up if/when required or wait until I can find someone to get it for me.



Ian..

 

Ian

Are they telling you that the manufacturer is going to ship it direct to you? Seems a bit strange, would not have thought they would want to incurr additional costs of shipping?

Buck

 

Import duty is 3.5% below a certain figure , regardelss of what the item is , I think the figure is around £280 , so it is 3.5% and the VAT on top of the total

I should be able to give a really accurate answer soon as I have a watch on its way over at the moment

 

I was a bit annoyed that on a £50 item, in addition to VAT and duty, I was required to pay a £4.50 administration charge to FedEx. they pay the costs on your behalf and then request them back. It is unlikely that you will not see a bill if a commercial carrier is used

 

Buck,
Shipping is $49 using UPS, I think the way it works is I pay the whole amount (watch + shipping) and then the item is just sent straight out from maufacturer to me.
Speedking,
I would suspect this would be the case, UPS will pay everything up front, turn up at my door and ask for the amount back (plus their admin charge).
Rotty,
Would be interested in the amount, when you find out.

Thanks all for your comments, my sister is going over in June, so that could be my best option.. so up yours UK customs/Government..

Ian

 

this is what would happen if FedEx sent the parcel

International Shipping Options
We ship packages to international addresses using FedEx International Priority shipping. This is the only option for international delivery. For security purposes, we do not offer USPS delivery to international addresses.

All packages are shipped signature required for fraud protection with insurance included in the charge.

Taxes and Duties
Depending on your local tax laws, you may be responsible for duties and taxes on your purchase. FedEx will pay the necessary taxes on your behalf and, if taxes have been paid, FedEx will collect these charges from you at the time of delivery. You will be responsible for payment of any applicable taxes directly to FedEx before FedEx will release your package to you. Taxes on international shipments can be as much as 15% to 25% of the value of the shipped item(s).

Commercial Invoices and Declared Values
All international shipments will be accompanied by a commercial invoice. The values on the commercial invoice will be set to exactly what was paid for the product. We cannot lower the declared value or mark the package as anything but a commercially purchased item.

 

ive just bought a tamiya rc car from hong kong, cost me £147 for the car, £24 postage and then £49 to customs when it arrived here
mark

 

Ask the company sending the watch to write on the package.

'Watch for repair, value $20.00'.

Of course the watch is only worth $20.00, and is in need of repair.

FedEx add import duty, and a handling charge.

I havent got a bill to hand but FedEx charged on a $1600.00 watch, £203.00.

 

Good plan Yoza, but the two places who are doing the watch at reasonable price say it's coming direct from the manufacturer (Seiko), and they are unlikely to write that on the package for me !.
Still think I have it sorted with my sister who's offered to get one for me in May/June when she goes.

Ian

 

I have a top of the range Seiko for sale, it is as new, but I cant remember the model name. It has three completely separate faces.
I will retrieve it from my other addy if your interested, it was purchased in NewYork and worked out at about £400.

 

Yoza,
I know the range (not really what I'm looking for), I'm after a SNA281 (yellow face with blue dials, sounds crap I know, but I like it and its hard to get hold of - as I'm finding out, plus my budget is only £200).
I looked at the Poljot models you sudgested in a previous thread but didn't find one which I really liked. So until I can afford a Crosswind Racing the Seiko will have to do..

Thanks for your input anyway mate.

Ian..

 

No probs...

 

Audiman

Great timing , mine arrived an hour after I posted , it came by USPS and the parcelfarce at this end , no tax was asked for at point of delivery but it is possible that they can bill you later

One brand new Omega Seamaster ( auto , full size ) now in my hand , UK list £1100 , my price £465 inc shipping . Nice

 

Rotty that seems a keen price care to share a link to the site if possible or even mail it to me if you can

Thanks

Steve

 

yep put a link on and some pics

 

Rotty you did well, in fact you did that well that Im having problems believing your good luck.

Well done.

Spread the word, Ill have two!

 

I bought it on Ebay from a guy with the name MRCURVEX , I know folks are dubious about Ebay but read this guy's feedback and take my word that he is a superb bloke

 

I have a feeling that watches are a special case.
If you are importing for your own personal use I believe there is some old legal law that says you only pay about £2 import duty.
You could try ringing HM Customs & Excise to find out (0845 010 9000).

 

as requested



oops cant get it to show pic but link is ok