Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

Hello,

I am traveling back to the UK for Christmas... then will be returning to the USA!

I have 2 x children and we have bought some gifts in the UK via Amazon.co.uk and we are also going to buy some gifts here in the USA. Total value of gifts circa $1000

I am concerned with British Customs...I will simply be visiting the UK with the gifts in my suitcase's and then returning with the gifts two weeks later...

Has anybody had any experience doing this? or am I just over thinking the situation?

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

Just make sure the gifts are not wrapped.

Rene

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

Thanks for the information...

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat).

If a single item’s worth more than your allowance you pay any duty or tax on its full value, not just the value above the allowance.

If you go over your allowance

You pay Customs Duty on anything you bring in above your allowance. The rate:

is 2.5% for goods worth up to £630
depends on the type of goods if they’re worth more than £630 - check by calling the VAT, Customs and Excise Helpline
You don’t pay Customs Duty if you owe less than £9.

You may also have to pay import VAT.

https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/a...outside-the-eu

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

You only pay duty on items you permanently import into the UK. As you will be removing said items 2 weeks later no duty is payable.

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

How would you convince customs that you had no intention of leaving $1000 of present behind?

And then coming back into the US you probably want the US receipts to prove they were bought in the US

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

In short me and my wife can take £780 worth of goods tax free £390 each......

Its a really odd situation indeed... and confusing! thanks for all the replys :)

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

They walk through the green channel - nothing to declare.

In the unlikely event they were stopped at that time of year the explanation will not be one HMRC have not heard before. They have return tickets and a logical explanation, why do you think there would be a problem.

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

I don't think there will be a problem, just playing devil's advocate.
It's always more scary bringing stuff back into the US. Most of the time immigration are quite reasonable.

Re: Taking Xmas Presents for Kids USA --> UK
 

I think it will be ok! :goodpost: