Okay after doing alot of reading , I've learnt alot more about Importing.

I still have a few more questions though:

- The courier service that my wholesaler uses to deliver to me claims that they will cover the Custom Fee's and I will be billed for them. Does this cover both VAT and Import Duty? If Yes does it cost more than doing it using the Inland Revenue? How much more?

Say if I was unsure if the delivery agent would charge me for the Custom fee's or not , how could i prevent paying double?... If the courier pays for the Customs fees ( VAT and Import Duties) do I need to fill in any forms or pay anything more?

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I understand it is a requirement to fill out the c88 form for importation. Can I do just one form for a batch of items (all the same product)? Do I need to attach a form or number to the products so that they are not detained and delivered straight to the required address.

Thanks to all,

Sorry if its a bit much !

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Last edited by Mac1205; 11-04-2007 at 06:31 PM.

Yes it will cover bot VAT and Duty, they will charge you a fee for doing this from a few pounds upto about 20 depending on the company. It is often worth it for the hassle it saves.

As long as you keep the receipt showing payment of VAT and duty then you will never pay double. You should not have to fill in any more forms or pay anything more if your courier processes the VAT/Duty on your behalf.

Can anyone recommend , reliable delivery agents that charge a small fee for dealing with custom fee's?

Originally Posted by Mac1205

Can anyone recommend , reliable delivery agents that charge a small fee for dealing with custom fee's?

DHL provide this. They will cover the custom fee's for you during the importation but you are then liable to them once they invoice you for the costs.

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Originally Posted by Anthony

DHL provide this. They will cover the custom fee's for you during the importation but you are then liable to them once they invoice you for the costs.

Okay , How would DHL (i.e) know how much to pay on VAT and Import Duty ? Is it a requirement to state value on the box?

The administration fee does this depend on how much they do to find out the VAT and import duty? For example if price and item are stated on the box , there is no need to rip it open so surely admin costs would be less? (or is this me just being naive)

The value of the goods will be declared on the shipment but that is more for insurance purposes, they know the value because you have to provide a detailed commercial invoice with a break down of contents and TARIC codes etc.

They don't do any work for what they charge you, a guy sat at Heathrow will put a couple of figures into a computer and print out a form just the way it is, rarely will it get stopped and if it does it will be HMRC who does it and not the courier so it won't cost you any extra.

DHL - £10 or 2% fee whichevers higher.

Okay so basically, if my wholesaler ships with a company who will cover custom fee's , I can just sit and wait for the delivery and will be billed shortly after.

As far as I know DHL does not charge a percentage as posted above, just a flat fee of 14 pounds.

Depends on which company, DHL then yes. UPS you have to pay either on delivery by cheque or just before on the phone by C/C. Parcelforce you have to pay them before they will let it out of the depot.

I wouldn't get hung up on customs clearence almost all couriers offer similar levels of service and you are better off picking a courier on their relaibility of couriering.

So if i purchased a console game for £30 from china, i woul have to pay impot tax, and £14 to DHL???