Purchasing bike bits over t'internet

How do you stand regarding vat & import duty when shipping used bike bits
into the uk? Reason being I am after some new/better fork tubes for the
Magna. Having checked on ebay.com you can get some good deals in the usa ,
even when including shipping costs it still works out cheaper than
re-chroming + you get the sliders and trac etc thrown in to boot.

Secondly if returning from holiday in N.America would it be reasonable to
take them on an aircraft as hand baggage?

cheers
John H

VF1100C, VF750FD

 

I doubt it matters where readers of UKRM stand. Isn't it more important
to find out what IR thinks?

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/taxagenda/ecom7.htm

Why not put them in in the hold? I imagine the Transportation Security
Department folks might look askance at anything resembling a large heavy
club.

 

You pay VAT, and additional duty, if appropriate.

There's quite a bit of detail on the HM Customs and Excise web site, and
they have a good helpline - I've used it for electronics questions in
the past.

If you import by post, the PO collects the excise - VAT and duty. On
many occasions I've had stuff arrive without duty to be paid. For small
amounts they often don't bother.

You can certainly import items personally, and there is an allowance -
not huge, but more useful because of the collapse in the Dollar. My
approach is always to go through the red channel - often, if it's
marginal, they'll give you the benefit of the doubt, often too there's
nobody there!

I've always found Customs to be friendly and helpful.

Regards,

Simonm.

 

Have had a look on the Customs and Excise web site, also on the site Mark
posted too(Inland Revenue) . It seems to me that Vat and import duty is
payable on items costing over £18. I know all about vat, but can't seem to
find out the rate for import duty pertaining to used bike bits. It's 4% for
jewelery, 12% for clothing so I expect fork tubes would be in the 4% bracket
then?

John H

VF750FD, VF1100C

 

It's pretty obscure. I rang their helpline, and they told me where to
look on the web site! (and yes, if I could remember it, I'd tell you).

Regards,

Simonm.

 

Danger! American ebayer shipping and handling scam alert!!!
Read the small print at least 3 times.