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In the UK, and the European
Union, there are very strict regulations concerning the import and export of
goods. Some types of goods are zero rated for duty, whilst others carry rates
of up to 20% or more of their assessed value.
Imports to the UK also carry Value Added
Tax (VAT) at up to 17.5% of the declared or assessed value of the goods.
H.M. Customs is responsible for the regulation of imports to the UK and all items being
sent to and from this country must be cleared through customs. If a package
arrives in the UK and has been assessed
for duty, you will not be able to take possession of the item until you have
paid the duty and/or VAT in full.
If you are exporting goods from the UK by post, then you must
attach a customs declaration to the package detailing the nature of goods,
the value and whether the item is a gift, commercial sample or otherwise. You
can obtain this label from all post offices.
If you are in the UK and are purchasing
goods from outside the EU (for example the USA) your seller will also
need to complete a similar customs form which will be affixed to the package.
The value of the goods must be accurately declared by the sender as there are
penalties for under-declaration.
There can also be complications if the insurance value of the
item is not the same as the declared value of the item(s) so all
documentation needs to be completed fully and accurately.
When buying or selling internationally, it is always prudent for
the buyer and seller to agree in advance who will be responsible for paying for
which elements of duties, insurance fees, shipping and VAT.
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