The Wholesale Forums

[fidgety]

Hi. I am considering Importing craft items from Thailand, but am getting bogged down with jargon. I understand that I will need a classification for the goods. What I can't quite get my head round is Import taxes. As a small business I do not pay VAT & will not be likely to. Is Import VAT the same as our VAT now. The prices I have found are almost half that of my wholesale supplier here, so the benefits seem obvious.
Yours with a headache
Carole

[hardwareheroes]

Welcome carole - you will no doubt have to pay VAT but also duty

Have a read of this excellent thread VAT and Import Duty - Your Questions Answered

...and welcome to TWF BTW!

[geosamm]

If you let me know what type of items you are importing I may be able to help. There are different import codes for all goods and each code has its own rate, these codes are available at larger libraries. VAT is payable on the cost of the goods [invoice] and services... which includes shipping costs. You dont say what sort of quantities you are thinking about importing, container? crates by Cbm?, or small parcels?.... depending on quantity some can be written off as samples with no commercial value. Larger than post office shipments need a fumigation certificate from here, without it, it wont clear customs, even if it has been done.
More info would help provide better guidance. Some items from here you can not export legally. and others you can not import into the UK or are restricted... these include some craft items.
I have supplied container loads of craft items from Thailand [because I live here] from finding the items, purchasing, packing, documentation, shipping, to delivery. I am retired now but help local villagers, when I can, to sell their products [free of charge] mainly craft or hand made items. From items as small as stone bracelets to large solid Teak furniture, from frog key rings to 6 foot plus dragons.
If I can be of any help please let me know.

[fidgety]

Hi, Thanks for the response. I would be importing small card making embellishments, mostly paper & card. The order would only be a small parcel. The supplier uses DHL for shipping. It may not be cost effective in smaller quantities, after tax & shipping costs, but it is something I need to look at.
Carole

[geosamm]

Originally Posted by fidgety

Hi, Thanks for the response. I would be importing small card making embellishments, mostly paper & card. The order would only be a small parcel. The supplier uses DHL for shipping. It may not be cost effective in smaller quantities, after tax & shipping costs, but it is something I need to look at.
Carole

There is a slower way, and cheaper, but it will depend on weight and size. Thai Postal service can send by surface mail... about half the cost of air freight and gets delivered to your door.

http://www.thailandpost.com/search_ems_special_en.asp?nItemID=59&Arrnum=2

check out the link.... enter destination and weight... check price..... it may be helpful.