Custom Duty paid on UK orders exceeding $800?

[huck*this]

Ordered a bike a couple years ago from Poland. $2800 No custom duties. I think its a case by case thing.

[ntb1001]

The only time I was charged after the fact was with FedEx.

I’ve never had that with Canada Post.



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[nmrt]

Thanks for all the replies.
I guess the lesson learned is that many times you have to pay the duties over $800 (on the whole amount). While many times, you pay nada. So, I guess it depends....on....?

who knows!

[Hindmost]

Originally Posted by nmrt

So, I guess it depends....on....? who knows!

The carriers used is a factor. Using National Postal Services reduces the chances of customs being assessed.

[peanutgallery]

I think the $800 threshold is too high.

Kinda surprised that each package from overseas vendors doesn't go thru more rigor. I guess if you buy new product from overseas you should plan on this as a possibility. They should probably just charge you VAT and call it good, it monkeys with the market a little too much when there's tax free slackness running amuck

I would be willing to bet that new products from vendors in the USA go thru the ringer when shipping to a buyer in the EU. Probably penalizes the buyer enough to consider buying it locally

[PNW]

So does Merlin send a dispatch notice? I ordered a stem from them July 9th and still haven’t received an email saying it’s been sent.

[PaMtbRider]

Originally Posted by PNW

So does Merlin send a dispatch notice? I ordered a stem from them July 9th and still haven’t received an email saying it’s been sent.

Not from my experience with them. You should be able to go to their site and see the shipping status of any of your orders.

[Polyglot]

It is good practice to always EXPECT to pay duty and then be able to rejoice when you don't get charged.

The $800 personal allowance has been disastrous to so many merchants and it really doesn't ultimately help the country as a whole. I believe the reason behind it was solely expediency, with the government recognizing that stopping personal small scale importing and charging duty was counterproductive as the income didn't even pay for the manpower to enforce the rules.

When I used to import a line of Italian cycling clothing, I was paying over 30% in import duties and many of the online retailers were selling for my landed cost. It is tough to do business under such circumstances.

[PNW]

What percentage are we talking about for a $1500 Wheelset from the UK? Can’t anyone talk about how much it will cost?

[Clean39T]

Bought an $1125 group from CRC. Delivered by USPS in a beat-down box, but no duties. Also no housing or chain pin / quick link.

Group was undamaged, but FFS.

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[PNW]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

Bought an $1125 group from CRC. Delivered by USPS in a beat-down box, but no duties. Also no housing or chain pin / quick link.

Group was undamaged, but FFS.

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Wow! Does it depend on vendor if there’s a duty?

[HenryA]

If you happen to slip by paying a duty owed, you still owe it. Customs can come back at any time and collect it. If you want to be sure about what you will owe and pay it at the time of importation you should consider hiring a customs broker. Some shippers may require the use of a broker. Or look it up here: https://usitc.gov/tata/hts/index.htm

[ChristianWong]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

Bought an $1125 group from CRC. Delivered by USPS in a beat-down box, but no duties. Also no housing or chain pin / quick link.

Group was undamaged, but FFS.

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This and others like it should be a modern art exhibit in a museum.

Handle With Care

[cinco]

Originally Posted by ntb1001

I’ll tell you an easy way to protect yourself...and I’ve done it before.

When the delivery comes, and the charges exceed what you want to pay...just refuse the delivery.
It goes back and your card will get the credit applied when the transaction is reversed.

This way if you get lucky....great!!
If not, refuse and return.


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What about the shipping costs? Who covers that?

[fignon's barber]

Here is another tip ( I briefly did some importing so figured out some of the ins and outs). Cycling clothing has very high duty, especially base layers as they are taxed as lingerie. Bike parts have very low duties, often zero duty. Customs doesn't itemize your package for duty charge. You get charged the duty percentage of the highest item in your package. For example, if you ordered $2000 worth of components which have zero duty, and threw in a $20 base layer with a 40% duty, your package would be charged $2020 x 40%. Never add clothing to equipment orders if you exceed $800.