SaleHoo

[sonic91]

One thing that bothers me (amongst MANY other people!) is the whole subject of IMPORT TAX! I realise customs may charge import tax, but I have not been charged this so far, even though I have bought many items from abroad from Ebay. Surely there's a reason I'm not charged? Anyone else not been charged import tax when importing into the UK? If so, how is it done, and is it legal? I recently made 2 purchases on Ebay, one is a game coming from New Zealand and another is 2GB RAM coming from the USA. I'll keep you posted on whether I'm charged, and if I'm not, I'll put why, if I know. In the meantime, other experiences, please!

[grace_salehoo]

Hi,
Not all goods have duty charged when purchased from overseas. For items that do, you'll be charged if the amount of duty is £7 and over. You'll also be charged Import VAT if the value of the goods is £18 and over.
You can see a list of what items have import duties here:
** Link Removed: Only Available to Registered Members**

Note that some people do try to get around these import duties by declaring the item as a gift or stating the value as lower than the real purchase cost.

[sonic91]

Thanks, Grace, that's a lot of help. I've been looking for that information for a while, but the revenue and customs website is not that easy to navigate. One thing I shouldn't get too excited about is that laptop and desktop PC's are exempt from import tax, and generally games consoles should fall into this category, as games consoles are not listed. Do you think games consoles are exempt, as I have discovered my niche for selling PS3's and Xbox360's on Ebay.

[grace_salehoo]

Hi - glad the information was helpful.

But I should clarify that the link above was in regards to Internet Shopping - ie. purchasing 1-2 of an item for your own use (or if you are the seller, sending these items to buyers in the UK).

From what I can tell, you are considering importing game consoles into the UK in bulk? If this is the case, then a different situation applies.

Firstly, you need to work out how your goods will be classified.
** Link Removed: Only Available to Registered Members**

This can be tricky to do yourself as the exact classification can depend on a number of rather finicky details (such as country of origin of the goods, the materials used for certain parts etc).

You will find this guide useful: ** Link Removed: Only Available to Registered Members**

Generally it is easiest to contact Customs and request a binding tariff. ** Link Removed: Only Available to Registered Members**

This is a binding ruling that means you will know exactly what you will have to pay in duties for your import. The other option is to use a customs broker, however if they get the classification wrong, you may have to pay more duties than you expected etc.

Hope that helps :)

[netelec71]

does anyone know if there is import tax or duty to pay on sending game consoles such as ps3 or psp to the uk

[sonic91]

Yes, unfortunately import VAT will be charged on importing games consoles. I have purchased games consoles from all over the world through Ebay and never been charged import tax/VAT. I didn't realise why until it hit me the other day when 2GB RAM I purchased arrived (speaking of which, I was charged $15 for postage and the label says 90 cents!). Everything I have bought is sent through the senders countries' postal system and dropshippers send through a courier such as DHL or UPS. They have to send through a courier to keep track of the item and find out if it goes missing, but this means tax will be charged upon receipt.

[Syedab]

Hi there,

Does this mean that NO VAT and Import Tax is charged when importing 1 console into the UK?

Please reply ASAP

[grace_salehoo]

Hi Sydedab,

If the value of the console is over 18GBP, then you will be charged VAT. You will be charged import tax is the amount of tax for that item is over 7GBP pounds.