Import Experience from non EEC countries?

Fraserp

Hi,
I'm looking a buying a cable from an overseas supplier, Hong Kong I think. Does anyone have any experience of the process?

I recently had a very bad experience with import charges and duties. I purchased $40 worth of goods from the USA, $55 inc delivery (£35 ish). When It arrive I was charged, (in import duty and 'handling charges', thats the term used for paying the import taxes on your behalf) a further £25! Crying or Very sad

So a cheap deal was a very expensive total charge.

I know the cables are not expensive, say £5-£10 each, but if the same happens again there may be say a further £20 or more to pay!
_________________
Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Pc-Mobile · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 1:07 pm Post subject:

Everyone should be aware of import duty when ordering goods from overseas. It is the responsibilty of "importer".

The supplier should not charge/pay import duty "on your behalf". May be it was the carrier who did it. So it makes a difference as to which carrier you use for shipping.

If you were new to this site or did not know us, may be some one may tell you that we use agent in UK so send most GPS related cable orders from UK, if you were comtemplating ordering from us. But then yes, we are a Hong Kong company.
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Pc-Mobile
http://pc-mobile.net/gps.htm

Fraserp · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 1:38 pm Post subject:

I understand that I need to pay the duty, it was just the additional fee the handler charged. It was the local end carrier who 'automatically' paid the charge on my behalf and added the fee for doing it!

Re your local agent, this sound great if you have the cable i require in the UK. There is another posting with that spec in mind.

Thanks for the feed back.
Toodle pip!
_________________
Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Hunnymonster · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 8:07 pm Post subject:

Couriers like Fedex/DHL/etc always load a huge admin charge (I've seen it up to £30) on top of any VAT & Duty that's payable - the Post Office load on something in the order of £2 for a small packet or £5 on a parcel - still an outrageous fee IMO

Either way a cable ought to be well within the dutiable limit (£18) and attract no attention from HM Customs (or their agents at Mount Pleasant International Mail Centre)

Fraserp · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 8:37 pm Post subject:

Yes , it was FEDEX!

IMHO, they need slapping down for it. You have no choice, other than to pay, and you dont get told until it arrives in the UK!

Importers beware!

Grrrrrrr Evil or Very Mad

_________________
Fraserp
TomTom 1000
GPSmap 60CSx
SatMap

Talkingbollox · Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2004 12:15 am Post subject:

The rules are quite clear. Items > £18 imported from outside the EU attract Customs duty and VAT.

The admin fee, is charged to "clear" your item thorugh Customs, and lets face it, these courier companies are commercial enterprises that exist to make a profit for their stakeholders.

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