Hello. The "big" day is approaching and should be in UK in a few weeks. I have a few tools that I use to do general maintenance on my properties here in Bahamas. I bought them from the USA and had to pay freight and duty on them, 50% duty and up. They are now well used. Will this reasoning save me from paying import tax again when I arrive? Any idea how they will value them if they go for the duty charges seeing that they are used?
I want to see if it is cheaper just to bring some or none and buy the others over there.
Most are cordless tools. If I wrap the tops of the batteries in electrical tape should that be an satisfactory in the baggage going in the hold?
Will the chargers work with the convertors in uk? They are two prong 120 volt. Thanks Barkus

For those interested: Thumbing through some sites I came across where it indicated that I can exclude the duty and taxes I paid for it to arrive here in Bahamas and can just show them the original invoices from the USA and pay on that. Still trying to find how they will value it used though, and what are the "certain conditions" that have to be met.

What to exclude from your calculation

Items to be left out of the customs value if certain conditions are met include:

• delivery costs within the EU
• EU duties or taxes
• taxes paid in the country of origin or export
• quantity and trade discounts and those relating to cash and early settlement, that are valid at the time the goods are valued
• dividend payments to the seller
• marketing activities related to the imports
• buying commission
• export quota and licence costs
• interest charges
• rights of reproduction
• post-importation work, eg construction or assembly
• management fees
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-v...ade-statistics

Are the tools your personal belongings, or used in your trade?

If you are moving back to the UK permanently, the Transfer of Residence(TOR) path would probably work best for you and cost you nothing if you meet all the criteria. There a quite a few threads on TOR in this forum.

I read where it says tools of trade are not included

Personal to fix my things. But I intend to use em if something arises. I want to potter around general maintenance to make a few bucks...errr, quid, after I get all the needed certificates.
They are used so is there a set value/devaluation for used items? It can;t be worth the same as it was new a few years ago.