Importing Kits

[Nigel999]

Dear all.
I've been looking at some kits which appear to only available in the US.

Both 1/350 resin models. Has anyone any experience of bringing in kits to the UK?

Are they likely to fall foul of "import duty" , or some other con, via HMRC or the EUSSR?

Anyone any idea?

Cheers, Nigel

[TCC]

Nigel, wouldn't the shop be in a better position to advise you? Maybe a quick email to them?

I looked on this site for you (and have just cxxxed myself).

http://www.dutycalculator.com

A plastic model kit of a theoretical $100 value with a shipping cost of $15 and zero insurance attracts a £70 'customs value' with £14 VAT!!!! £84? That can't be right?

Reading the site examples: if the value of the goods is over £18, you should be charged approx. 2 or 3% import duty and 17.5% VAT on the total (Value of goods + duty)

Will you tell me how it turns out?

[Hugh Williams]

Have you had a look at White Ensign Models, or tried asking them if they could do the importing for you?

Regards,

Hugh Williams

[Nigel999]

Thanks folks

As nobody was forthcoming regarding the tax implications of buying a kit from the US . I got on the phone. I found out very possibly why nobody knew. Pillar to Post comes to mind...anyhow.

Firstly, it seems that Model kits or "toys" of that nature have an import classification number (Apparently *everything has a classification number)

For model kits the number is 9503 003500 , This number specifies at what rates the import is taxed.

Models brought into the EUSSR , from outside such, that are worth £18 or more , attract VAT at 20% .

Models similarly purchased , attract import tax, when the worth is over £135. I am unsure as to whether the tax is levied on just the value OVER that amount, or, when that value is exceeded the entire value is taxed. I assume VAT is, (charged entire value) so assume this is as well.

I had had enough and did not make yet another call to verify what told, but believe the import duty is 4.7%

So, therefore, as a rule of thumb, it seems reasonable to expect taxes of approx 25% on top of what you paid the seller.

Oh, and whilst I did ask if Vat was levied on the Import tax, and Vice versa (The answer is no, unlike petrol), Import duty is payable on the carriage and insurance paid to bring the item into this country.

So if the item is valued at £200 , and carriage/insurance brought that up to £230. Then VAT would be charged on the £200, and import duty on £230 . (should the full amount prior to £135 be liable)

Brilliant , eh? :rolleyes:

Cheers, Nigel

[Phil Reeder]

I bought a kit of a Japanese destroyer from HLJ and I ended up paying nearly £80.The kit itself was only £30 the rest was postage ,VAT ,import duty ,and Royal Mail handling charge .I will never do that again .
Have you thought of asking someone in the US if they want to trade kits etc?

Cheers Phil