Importing Goods from Overseas. Any Info?

[monte]

Does anyone know about Customs charges and how they are worked out?

Are these charges the same whatever country you buy from?

Obviously I know within the EU I won't get charged 

I've been looking at a camera from Australia.

It costs £114 and £25 postage.

Any ideas how much I'll expect to pay in charges?


Thanks in advance guys 


Carlo. 

[xjay1337]

Normally add 20%....because of VAT+ any other fees...
When buying from America roughly whatever it costs in $ is the price you'd pay in £.
Looking on HMRC or whatever government agency it is would give the most accurate data.

[MC71]

Carlo,

Cameras are a Duty Free item but VAT is still payable at 20%.

Total cost, excluding insurance is £166.80

 

[monte]

Thanks guys! 

At £166 I might have to rethink.

I can get the camera for £190 in the UK. At £24 more for a UK model that will arrive in a few days is a no-brainer really.

I think I was initially seduced by the £114 price tag. 

Thanks again for the info. 

[Eddie-NL]

buy from the UK

imports = + VAT + Customs handling charge

what are you going to do if it goes wrong, send it back to Australia????

[Tamiyoman]

Don't forget VAT is charged on the Camera and the shipping cost, plus you will pay Parcelforces' 8.50 or 13.50 "handling Charge".

[xjay1337]

As well as mentioned, warranty claims... you will get limited/no support from most places

[monte]

Sorry for the late reply guys 

Thanks for all the info. 

There is a lot to consider really. Just because a camera is 1/2 the UK price it's just not worth it. Like you say it would be a major PITA if something went wrong with it.
Plus went you pay the VAT on the camera +shipping the savings are not worth the risk.

Thanks again