Delivery from USA

[konio-nt]

Could someone advice me about importing wheels from US? I want to buy some rims and was wondering, which company to use, what are costs (more or less) including duty and VAT, is there any ways to try and avoid duty, does it change my situation if I have friend in US, who can send wheels to me?

Thanks, Konrad

[Gaz6002]

Might want this one in members only...

[Ian R]

If your "friend" was sending you a present you should be ok

[konio-nt]

If your "friend" was sending you a present you should be ok

It's family friend and I just found out, that delivery in US is included in price, so at least this part will be free :)

[Dazzi]

Most companies in the US get prosecuted now when large items are searched/scanned at customs. Crafty buggers they are, they search for the item say from company X and find the price. The declaration will be showing a lower value when in fact their website etc says $***. If you ask them to lower it, 9/10 they won't. Friends in the US are handy yes. They can mark as a gift and lower the value. A friend/relative they don't pay much attention to, its the big companies.

[JamesC]

Most goods arriving in the UK from outside the EU are liable to any or all of the following taxes:

customs duty
excise duty
import VAT

and must be paid whether:

you purchase the goods or receive them as a gift;
the goods are new or used (including antiques)
the goods are for your private use or for sale



Just add around 20% i think. If you get the seller to put the value as a lesser amount you will pay less tax, but if it gets damaged/lost in the post you will only get that amount ;)