Tax on DVD's from the US..?

[Bribrian]

I'm looking at buying a blu ray disc from the US at under £8, can anyone tell me if there will be tax added to it or does it fall below the threshold......
Thanks.....

[lowmans100]

from here http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...yType=document

If you purchase goods through the Internet you should be aware that customs duty and VAT will be payable, as follows:

* Customs duty - if the amount of duty is £7 and over.
* Import VAT - if the value of the goods is £18 and over.

[Bribrian]

Nice one mate, thanks.. It seems that the tax is 3.5% so will have to work out if it's still cheap..........

[nwgarratt]

The £18 limit is also before shipping but if you get charged over £18, the charge will include shipping. Actually, the VAT works out pretty small most of the time. It is the enormous £8 Post Office Admin fee that puts it up.

[Bribrian]

Originally Posted by nwgarratt

The £18 limit is also before shipping but if you get charged over £18, the charge will include shipping. Actually, the VAT works out pretty small most of the time. It is the enormous £8 Post Office Admin fee that puts it up.

So even if my disc is only £7.50(+£3 p&p) i'll get hit for 3.5% + £8 from the PO....... or is that only for breaking the £18 limit...

[nwgarratt]

Originally Posted by Bribrian

So even if my disc is only £7.50(+£3 p&p) i'll get hit for 3.5% + £8 from the PO....... or is that only for breaking the £18 limit...

The DVD is below £18 before shipping so it will be fine. It means you can order a £18 DVD plus shipping and not get hit by custom charges. I usually keep it below £17 to be safe. As soon as the exchange rate makes it work out at £18.01 then charges will be due. They use the exchange rate at the 1st of each month.

[Greg]

Check out the FAQ at the top of this very forum.