wtkp0u

Anyone know what duty/tax would be liable on importing a desktop PC to the UK from the US? I know I could just stuff it in a suitcase and hope for the best but it will be over the generous UKP147 personal import allowance. Presumably at least the VAT would be demanded...

Dan725

I stuffed my desktop in a suitcase. No problems.

Not even sure its an issue to be honest, as long as its your own personal computer for your own personal use, why would they charge you duty? If they did that, they'd have to stop every single businessman with a laptop.

Ray

For details about the rates of duty applying to particular goods you can call the HM Revenue & Customs Tariff Classification Service Enquiry Line on Tel 01702 366077.

If the goods originate from countries inside the EC, no duty is payable.

If the goods originate from countries outside the EC, but duty has already been paid on them in another EC country before they reach you, no duty is payable.

If the goods originate from outside the EC and no duty has been paid, you need to calculate the value of the goods. There are six calculation methods prescribed. If method one is not possible, you should move on to method two, and if that fails use method three, until you arrive at a value. Find out how to calculate import duty on the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website.

wtkp0u

I found that, thanks Ray - have you tried calling the number
All the value calculation seems a bit OTT for a personal import (with a receipt if necessary).

Dan725, I don't think the laptop argument applies here, it'll be a new desktop as a gift so in theory should be declared. May need a bigger suitcase

Bob

how new is the puter?

because chances are, you won't have to worry about it, unless it's still boxed...

Bob

I had my desktop in my suitcase, filled the case up with all my cd's and bundles of shite to make use of the space in the case...weren't an issue...didn't bother with my monitor though.

Ray

But surely you was going from the UK to the US ..

Big D

Isnt there something about if its over 6 months old you arent liable?

Bob

I think it's 12 months...

Big D

its certainly 12 months from UK to USA but i thought it was less the other way - it is with cars anyway!!

Bob

could be, wouldn't really know, you could be right, I just thought it was 12 as well, might depend on the product as well...hmmm...

gruffbrown

You're going to trust a delicate hard drive to baggage handlers?

Bob

naaa...you yank those and carry them hand luggage

well i know i did...

Dan725

Good spot, surely I was Ray It's been a hard Friday, no such thing as poets day here

Wildandcrazy0525

OK call me stupid, but if the desktop is going from the UK to the US, and you bought it in the UK why would you have to pay VAT on it when you've already paid the VAT when you bought it. As for import duty, you won't owe anything, it's a personal item that you are bringing over for personal use. If you were bringing it for finanical gain (resale) then you'd have some duty to pay. Stateside not UK side.

If your that worried about it, sell the PC minus the HDD, bring the HDD with you in your carry on luggage and buy a new one here. 1 will be loads cheaper than they are there, and 2 taking into account the exchage rate UK-US, will prove even cheaper again.

Just my 2 cents worth.