HELP! importing from usa to uk!!

[eupharies]

Hello, im having a bass shipped hear, value is $1600 + shipping...

Custom charges im looking at $400!!!!!!! hell no!

I was wondering could i for instance say the item is only worth $500, and get it insured for say the price.... and in effect i would only get charged the VAT on the $500

Or

If i say the item is worth $500, it could only be insured for $500

I might be talking crap, i dont really understand how it works lol

An advice will be much appreciated!!

[bassophil]

I bought a bass for $1400 + $100(shipping) in the USA and imported it to Germany. The customs wanted to me to bring a recipe of the payment when picking it up. I also had to bring about 300€ for 19%VAT + 3.75% custom fees.
The recipe, in my case, was a copy of the paypal payment, as I bought via ebay. I don't know if UK customs act similar, but if so you would have to ask the seller if you can split your payment in 2 parts, one for the customs and one adding the rest. This way you would have a recipe showing a lower price.


EDIT: I forgot: the 19% + 3.75% were taken from the actual price incl.(!) shipping costs..

EDIT2: forgot something else: If the seller is willing to accept split payment tell him to not put a recipe with the full price into the package in which the bass is shipped At least I had to open the package because the customs wanted to check its contents.

[eupharies]

ok cool cheers man, sounds good to me!

[Clammy]

I love Europe, but MAN, you guys get RAPED on taxes... and this is coming from a Canadian!!!

Cheers!

[bassophil]

That's true, but I'd still pay the taxes if you ever need to sell your USA Ironbird

Keep up the good work with Exciter!

[Clammy]

Originally Posted by bassophil

That's true, but I'd still pay the taxes if you ever need to sell your USA Ironbird

Keep up the good work with Exciter!

Thanks!

The 'Bird's staying with me for the forseeable future.

Cheers!

[foq1978]

Ha! You think that's too much taxation?
In my country, I would have to pay:
$1600 + $100 = $1700 + 60% (that's right, over instrument and shipping) =
$ 2720.