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Posted 15 April 2024

U.S. import fees

I'm looking at ordering 4 items from a store in the U.S. for a total of £128 with shipping costing £15, the store says they do not charge sales tax for international orders.

Does anyone know what kind of additional costs I'd be looking at upon arrival in the UK?
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  1. Tom.Wilson's avatar
    Assume around 20% plus a nominal handling fee.
  2. darkclouds's avatar
    Or split the order into two spread apart by a few days it may be cheaper in the end
  3. abigsmurf's avatar
    You can get lucky, especially if they don't give the real value on the sticker.

    But if it gets hit by Duty, you're looking at 20% + a rip off fee + delays that can be a few weeks.
    Illusionary's avatar
    To nitpick a little, you're thinking of VAT, not Customs Duty (which is typically a much lower rate, where it applies).
  4. Illusionary's avatar
    Is that £128+£15 shipping, or £128 including £15 shipping? At least in theory, for purchases below £135 (including shipping), the foreign seller is required to account for VAT at the point of sale, so you shouldn't get hit by an additional VAT charge on import.
    jaybizzle's avatar
    Author
    £128 for items, then an additional £15 for delivery
  5. Thegratefuldoof's avatar
    Should be no additional costs since the value of the goods is under £135. Any shipment with value over £135 is subject to customs and duties. This is my understanding.
    Pandamansays's avatar
    Shipping is always included, taking the value of the order over £135
  6. pluves1's avatar
    Depends on what you're ordering. For most items bank on vat at 20% on the total including shipping. £8 Royal Mail handling fee plus Customs Duty. Customs duty is can vary depending on the item but budget for between 0% and 15%. Something like a waterproof jacket is typically 12%. Personally I would split the order in two and pay the shipping twice.
    jaybizzle's avatar
    Author
    Two separate orders will cost me £75 each (2 x items £64 - Delivery £11)
  7. bozo007's avatar
    Customs duty is separate from VAT and only applies on some items over £135. Even if the retailer doesn't collect, the carrier can, and will, if the documents from the retailer state it). Plus the carrier will charge a admin fee for paying on the buyer's behalf and handling the paperwork.

    The mathematics is as follows -

    ((Item total cost + shipping) + any applicable Customs duty) * 1.2 for the 20% UK VAT + any admin fee from the carrier.

    So in this case, it is ((£128 + £15) + Customs duty) *1.2.

    If you split the order into two, bear in mind that you will pay the carrier fee twice. So £180 including VAT + 2x carrier fee.

    Use this link to check commodity codes and applicable duty rates. (edited)
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