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 , 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.

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?

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.

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.