Goods to follow- tools
 

I have read the various threads regarding importing tools with your personal items, and that if the tools are not work related (DIY ;) )I won't be due duty on them.
One unfortunate member here got stung for nearly $3000 duty on his tools :ohmy:, but most have said they haven't had any problems.

My question is how should they be listed on the goods to follow form? I have read they have to be listed by make, model and serial number, and also a value. The tools are mostly a couple of years old and been well used, ( I'm a carpenter) but to replace new would cost a few thousand pounds. Should they be valued at their saleable value or new value? How would it affect the insurance on the goods? Also, if I was required to pay duty, would duty be calculated at the replacement value, IE. cordless drill costing £250, or value as second hand, which I would probable only get about £50/ £80 for?

As my new company supply most power tool on the job, they will be, technically, used for DIY.

Anyone's experiences/ advice would be appreciated.

Re: Goods to follow- tools
 

I forgot to add, how do I also list my hand tools? IE, would " toolbox containing hand tools" suffice, or do they need to be listed individually, IE, hammer, 5 chisels, 4 screwdrivers etc?

Re: Goods to follow- tools
 

This is what we put down on our goods to follow list;

Car maintenance equipment incl. Compression tester, timing lamp, test equipment $300
Workshop tools incl, jacks, axle stands, wheel nut spiders etc. $200
Workshop equipment incl. Bench drill mounting, bench vice, tap & die set etc. $800
American Pro tool cabinet containing spanners, screwdrivers, hammers etc. $800
DIY tools incl. drills, saws, electric screwdrivers $100
Box of asstd nuts & bolts, nails & screws $20

All very vaugue.

Some items we were more specific with;
Airstream SiP AS3HP/50 Compressor $200
Coleman Pulse 1450 generator $250


The customs guys really weren't very interesed at all. At the airport they just stamped the list, didn't give it a second glance. When OH went to clear the goods when they arrived they again just took the stamped forms from him and that was it. It might be a different story if you mark them as tools for your profession though.

Hope that helps.

Re: Goods to follow- tools
 

You should list them at their current (i.e. used) value.

A good rule of thumb if you are deciding how to describe and value items is to think of what a Customs Officer will see as they open the crates and/or boxes.

I was once called to the border by a US Customs Officer and given a stern lecture about this. We were shipping a light fixture to a customer in the States. It was not assembled and the box contained smaller boxes: one contained the bulb, another the wall bracket, another the shade and so on. On my paperwork I had described it as a light fixture.

The Customs Officer said when he opened the box he saw lighting parts, and this did not coincide with the description on the paperwork so therefore I was in trouble. I thought, for a nano second, of telling him he was being a pedantic old fool. Instead I agreed he had a very reasonable point, and that I was very sorry, and that I wouldn't do it ever again.

In your case the Customs Officer will see used tools so that is how I would describe and value them.