Merlin Cycle UK

[SpeedyChix]

Any idea on what the rate is for the import tax / duty on wheelset from Merlin UK to US?
Looks like 3.9%?

[Kirk007]

Originally Posted by SpeedyChix

Any idea on what the rate is for the import tax / duty on wheelset from Merlin UK to US?
Looks like 3.9%?

not sure the rate but I've ordered multiple wheelsets from the UK and never been hit with duty

[Clean39T]

Record12 group came to me via UPS - no strings or paperwork attached..

Have had nothing but good transactions with them, and I've done a return to Merlin also and no issues.

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[irideti]

I ordered from Merlin few times during last 12 months and all transactions went smoothly. The delivery took 1-2 weeks to California.

The current duty free exemption from UK is US$1,600. Therefore you don't have to worry about paying duty on order less than $1,600. It might be wise to place separate orders to avoid paying duty.

[Oxford_Guy]

I order from them quite often, no problems, though don't know about their international service, as live in the UK

[LegendRider]

They're my "go to" UK-based retailer for Shimano chains and cassettes (wear items) and Conti tires. Switched to Merlin a few years ago when ProBikeKit shipping became unreliable.

[Clean39T]

Originally Posted by irideti

I ordered from Merlin few times during last 12 months and all transactions went smoothly. The delivery took 1-2 weeks to California.



The current duty free exemption from UK is US$1,600. Therefore you don't have to worry about paying duty on order less than $1,600. It might be wise to place separate orders to avoid paying duty.

And here I thought I got lucky... Lolz

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[Jef58]

Pretty good dealing with them. I also use Texas Cyclesport for Campy items. I check them both and try to support Texas Cyclesport first but use Merlin for closeout and deals.

[tv_vt]

All good for me - several orders worth, including wheels, etc.

[SpeedyChix]

Thanks for the confirmation and quick helpful replies-n-details. Looks like I'll be good to go,

[bob heinatz]

Merlin has been great to deal with.

[mj_michigan]

My only order from Merlin Cycle hit US Customs delay and took more than 2 weeks.
This despite the value being just over $100 and not subject to custom duties.
I am careful to stay well below the limit (so, no Chorus group-set for me) and usually get UK bike parts within a week. Otherwise, everything was in order.

[NYCfixie]

I have ordered 2 sets of wheels (sub 1000), two groupsets (sub 800), and tires (sub 100) over the past few years with no issues.

- Two wheelsets showed up in 3 days with no hassle.
- 1 groupset showed up in 3 days with no hassle.
- 1 groupset showed up in 4 days with a UPS "customs handling fee" of about $15 (extra 1 day delay was because I had to call in and pay fee before they would deliver).
- Tires showed up in 2 weeks with no hassle (but I knew they were being shipped regular mail and not by priority service)

So, great service overall.

[nmrt]

I have bought a wheelset $1700 from Merlin. Came via USPS and nary any duties.

Then I ordered a a $900 frame form another UK website. Came via DHL and was hit with a $55 customs fee. I am unaware of any $1600 limit. My finding indicated that customs depends on the bicycle part. Some parts had a limit of $600 while some had a limit of $850. But I never saw any limit of $1600.

So, I think it depends on which carrier brings the goods to you.

[irideti]

Here are the rules from US Customs and Border Protection

Mailing and Shipping Goods - Customs Duty Guidance

Unaccompanied purchases are goods you bought on a trip that are being mailed or shipped to you in the United States. In other words, you are not carrying the goods with you when you return. If your unaccompanied purchases are from an insular possession (IP) or a Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) country and are being imported within 30 days and sent directly from those locations to the United States, you may enter them as follows:

Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP.
Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country.
Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).
To take advantage of the Customs duty-free exemption for unaccompanied tourist purchases (mailing/shipping) from an IP or CBI country:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/internati...toms-duty-info