Importing used optical equipment (1 Viewer)

[Harry Stottle]

Do any members have experience of importing / buying used optical equipment?
There is a pair of binoculars I am interested in buying but I do not know if I will have to pay import duty, VAT or other taxes.

I knew someone who bought a three year old used car from an American in the UK. After buying, he was shocked to find he had to pay import duty, car tax and I think VAT on it, so it changed from a good buy to a very expensive one.

 

[Mono]

If the value is more than £39 you will have to pay VAT at 20%. You may have to pay import duty but that will depend on what you are importing and where from, this can vary from 0% to 35% or more.

Have a look here...

UK Integrated Online Tariff: Look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates - GOV.UK

www.trade-tariff.service.gov.uk

 

[Butty]

You may have to pay import duty but that will depend on what you are importing and where from, this can vary from 0% to 35% or more.

It will also depend on luck, viz. the whim or the diligence of the individual customs staff on the day. So, if you do hear that someone got away with paying nothing, don't assume that you will just because they did.