The Wholesale Forums

[signify]

Hi All,
just trying to get my head round all this importing costs so i can include in my costs. Basically I am not VAT Reg, I am self employed and I am looking to import 26 items of clothing from Singapore. I have found out that I am paying 12% duty on my goods and delivery and then adding VAT at 17.5% on top of everything. So I have worked out my costs the courier company will be Express post. How do I pay the duty and VAT? will express post request the duty and VAT when my package is delivered to me or do i have to pay whilst its at customs? Do i need to give my supplier any information to make the delivery easier? i know my costs just wondering How I pay?

Also does anyone know about a traders reference form that a non VAT registered business has to apply for?

Thanks for any info.

[uhafmail]

Hi

Depends how your goods are being sent... WHo were they sent with? If they being delivered by UPS, Fedex or DHL then you are likely to get your goods and then receive a bill a few weeks later. If they were sent by USPS or Parcelforce (USPS often sell the charges to Parcelforce) then you will receive a letter once it is in your local depot - although if the tracking shows it is in your local depot you don't have to wait for the letter and you can go and pick it up (and pay).

All of the couriers charge a fee for doing this - anywhere between £8 and £15 - if it is Parcelforce delivering it to you the fee will be £13.50.

Hope that helps.

[signify]

Hi
Thanks I'm not sure whos delivering it, I'll find out, so theres handling fee too. the costs do really mount up for importing! from the costs of goods at £140 quid by the time it's on my doorstep the cost has worked its way up to around £320! that's more than double just for getting it to me!

Thanks for your help