05-07-2012, 04:29 PM
When I buy stuff from the far east (china) the sender invariably declares it as a 'gift' or ludicrously undervalue the shipment without my asking, seems they don't like paying taxes either, unfortunately most 'western' suppliers will always declare the true value or, in one case grossly overvalue and cost that me a fortune.
The import system contains a 'double whammy' for the unwary. It goes like this:
1) If the declared value is greater than £15 (was £18 up to the last budget - gggrrrrr!) then the item is processed.
2) An £8 handling charge (for parcelforce) is added.
3) The declared value and the postage amount and the £8 charge are added together.
4) If the declared value is greater than £115 (I think) then customs duty is calculated and added to the total.
5) VAT is calculated on the total and then added to it.
6) The whole expensive process can delay delivery by as much as 14 days (my experience).
Ouch!
Adrian
The import system contains a 'double whammy' for the unwary. It goes like this:
1) If the declared value is greater than £15 (was £18 up to the last budget - gggrrrrr!) then the item is processed.
2) An £8 handling charge (for parcelforce) is added.
3) The declared value and the postage amount and the £8 charge are added together.
4) If the declared value is greater than £115 (I think) then customs duty is calculated and added to the total.
5) VAT is calculated on the total and then added to it.
6) The whole expensive process can delay delivery by as much as 14 days (my experience).
Ouch!
Adrian
