Customs charges

[neo]

Thinking of getting some parts for my TXT-1 from the States. But a bit concerned about the charges that might comply. Does anyone have any ideas as to if there is a way over this.

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[jozza]

Nope - if Customs open it, you get charged, simple as that. Death and taxes []

However, parts normally come through unopened if they are small and of low value. So buy them one at a time and you might be lucky. But then again the postal charge will go up.

It's a gamble, you need to be prepared to pay VAT + a bit more on top of the US price, then if you are unlucky enough to be charged it won't come as a shock.

[TWINSET]

The customs and duty charges are likely to be around 20% if you are subjected to them, plus another £8 - £13 for the Post Office to clear them through customs on your behalf.

When I order stuff from Tower now, I break the order into smaller $50 orders where possible, as paying their shipping on small orders is cheaper than paying the duty and clearing fees on large orders.

If you telephone Customs and Excise, they can tell you the import duty rating that applies to your parts, then you have to add VAT and the Post Office clearing charge on top.

[madbad jezza]

i was told by my postman that customs only pick up parcels that are marked $30 and over - thats about £18 isn,t it?. 90% of the stuff i buy from america costs over £18 anyway, so i just take the chance. i did manage to complain to the customs people and eventually they gave me a re-fund....they said they admit that they over charged me on an item and posted me a cheque - for £1.80!! - i cashed it [)].

bunch of scammers the lot of them!.

james.