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UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Chris R on January 10, 2007, 12:07:47 pm

Title: Importing from the States ? Taxes ?
Post by: Chris R on January 10, 2007, 12:07:47 pm

Hello
 
I am looking to import a couple of wands from the states ( Greenie) and was wondering if anyones done this before?
 
any info on cost of delivery ( sea or air) and import taxes ( how much are they % )
 
The $ to £ exchange rate is superb at the moment so its a good time to buy !
 
Plus we just dont have the same range of wands available over here.
 
regards
 
Chris 

Title: Re: Importing from the States ? Taxes ?
Post by: prodry on January 10, 2007, 01:29:38 pm

There has never been such a good time to import from the USA with the excelent exchange rates. Use a good carrier such as UPS and for a fee they will arrange all the paperwork for you along with the duties and VAT. They usally charge around £10 for their services. You will pay VAT, however you would pay that anyway in UK and if you VAT registered you can claim this back in the usual way. The Goverment has given a whole load of tax breaks for importing certain goods and I am sure an email to someone like UPS you will find out if there is any tax relief.

There are plenty of suppliers out there, some on this forum who will tell you how difficult it is and a load of horror stories. You could just take the risk of sending the items without paperwork, however the price of USA goods compared to UK. you will still save money doing it properly I am sure.

the obvious drawback is the guarentee from the supplier.

Title: Re: Importing from the States ? Taxes ?
Post by: Chris R on January 10, 2007, 01:37:43 pm

Thanks for the info

the supplier is Greenie from Greenglides    http://greenglides.com/index.php  and I know that he will give a warranty on this item, even when sold worldwide.

He is very well known and trusted.

wands can be made to order, at your own spec. (even down to length of wand).

The wand in the picture is about £300

Any idea what percentage I would need to add onto the purchase price to cover all of the different taxes ?

I am going to try to phone customs up now, I will see what info I can get from them?

thanks

Chris

Title: Re: Importing from the States ? Taxes ?
Post by: Chris R on January 10, 2007, 03:21:17 pm

OK, so its all a lot clearer now.

For anyone thats interested this is how it works !

First you need to phone customs on 01702 366077  .  From this number they can find out the amount of Customs duty and VAT that you will have to pay.

The amount of duty varies, depending on what the item is.

The customs duty is worked out on the TOTAL INVOICE PRICE - INCLUDING CARRIAGE AND DELIVERY.!

Then on top of this price you need to add VAT at 17.5%.

So,,,,,

Work out your total bill from USA supplier, including delivery costs and insurance.
 
Add 2.7% Customs duty ( may vary- phone to check)
 
Add 17.5% VAT
 
That will give you your total.
 
My understanding is that the courier will sort out all forms and paperwork for the customs in the UK, but they may make a small charge for this , which is OK.

So I am about sorted to go ahead with the order.

Just waiting to hear how much delivery costs will be.  :(

regards

Chris

Title: Re: Importing from the States ? Taxes ?
Post by: Mark Stanley on January 10, 2007, 04:46:28 pm

I imported some air purifiers for a customer a year or two back and it worked out about 33% on top of the purchase price in customs payments - if my memory serves me right.

Mark