If you have consided a "grey import" camera and/or lens...
Generally speaking, most (if not all) fragile equipment such as cameras, lenses, etc tend to be placed in an over-pack with plenty of cushioning materials, to minimise the risk.
This thread was really just to provide a source of information for anybody that had been thinking along the lines of overseas purchases.
I presume the Channel Island Companies will charge the
correct VAT on items above the free limit?
What is the free limit? Is it about £17 and is that with or
without postage.
I recently bought a £16 memory card post free, which I'm sure
was below the limit via xxxxx, although it wouldn't matter
with this item (being below the limit) I was surprised that
the package had FREE GIFT written on it, considering that
they must send hundreds of similar FREE GIFTS out
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
TBH: HMRC aren't really interested in folks buying "one-off bargains" every once in a while, providing it's not worth chasing the money. They're more interested in collecting the revenues from the importers of high-value goods. My experience is that the "cut-off point" is anything less that £40-£50, which isn't worth the admin, unless you are a regular importer, then you are "flagged-up" for extra attention. All imports are computerised, you see.
Money aside -- and there's no temptation in this particular example -- for a complex piece of equipment like a dslr, I'd be chary of buying too far distant or from too impersonal a source ... to echo John, potentially such hassle when things go wrong. I'd feel a bit happier buying a 'grey' lens (or some of them, anyway!).
I wouldn't knowingly do it for a camera and I certainly wouldn't buy from long distance traders.
I had a 'grey' Aprilia motor bike once (Dutch model). Passed two MOT's and then they changed the rules and made me replace the headlight assembly. Another example of the single market. Many Japanese bikes are popular because they are models or trims you can't buy here. A bit like silly colour KX and KR's I guess!!!
So if you were to buy (say from China) and the seller marks it as a 'gift' or understates the value on the customs form (even if not at your request), you are still legally obliged to pay tax and duties on the value.
Algi - any item values below £15 (up until 1st Jan 12, it was £18 ) are classed as low-value.........
Thanks Steven...... we've been ripped off again dropping imports to £15 My card was from Amazon so the £16 would have included VAT
Pentax K-1 + K-5 and some other stuff
Algi
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1232 posts
12 years
Glasgow
(A) DIGITAL CAMERAS (compacts and DSLR's) are free of import tax.
(B) CAMERA LENSES have an import tax of 4.2% applied upon importation.
In both of the above cases, VAT at the current rate of 20% is payable.
* This information applies solely to imports being brought to the UK.
Please check with an import agent in your own country for further
information.
Anyone who has/had considered importing digital cameras and/or lenses from abroad but were unsure of the levies can now decide on the economics of buying "grey imports".
Note that import tax is not charged on goods that were purchased within the EEA (European Economic Area), but you should expect to pay VAT at the local rate (if bought in Belgium, Belgian VAT is paid, etc).
It is important to point out that goods purchased from a supplier based in the Channel Islands are taxable, as the Channel Isles are NOT EU members.