Tech: Importing to UK from EU

Subject: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 07:10 AM

I've found a thread on importing instruments from the UK (from the USA) and it mentioned that if you import from Europe you don't need to pay the VAT. I'm currently investigating buying an new instrument (an organetto) from Italy so, can you experts out there provide some info for me.

1) If I pay the VAT in Italy I don't need to pay it in the UK, if the Italian VAT is at a higher rate than the UK can I not pay the VAT in Italy but in the UK?
2) If I've paid the VAT in Italy are there any other taxes or duties to be paid in the UK (assuming the cost of the instrument is about £400 - £500)?
3) Would the manufacturer's quoted prices include Italian VAT (the one email I've had back from Italy so far doesn't say)?
4) What's the best payment method to use (simplest from my point of view is credit card)?
5) Any tips on importing from the EU?

Cheers,

Darren

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: sian, west wales
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 08:13 AM

I really don't have a clue, but if you don't want to contact Customs & Excise to ask, you could contact your local Business Connect (I'm assuming that you can make a case for this being a business expense?). It's supposed to be their job to get this info for you, although the quality of advice can vary from office to office.

siân

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: gnomad
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 08:21 AM

I THINK I have seen somewhere that if VAT has been paid within the EU you should be OK anywhere within the EU.

Tried to find confirmation on HM Revenue & Customs, but that is one huge and unwieldy site. You might like to try their helpline 0845 010 9000.

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: GUEST,Green Man
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 08:37 AM

You mentioned Italy, after a Melodeon??

GM

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 10:12 AM

Yes GM, it's one of the small one and a bit row boxes popular in southern Italy (as a small, light weight alternative to a Hohner 114 to take on holidays etc.)One site here (see cat 1 and cat 3)

Thanks for looking Gnomad, a typical government websit then, and for the other contact, Sian, although I don't think I can stretch the truth to the extent that it'd be a business expense.

Darren

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: Paul Burke
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 10:59 AM

If you are VAT registered, the vendor (if they are VAT registered too) can supply it VAT free. You then pay the VAT in this country.

If either of you is not VAT registered, the vendor charges VAT at the rate in his country.

Depending on local rates, this may or may not be to your advantage.

Subject: RE: Tech: Importing to UK from EU
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Sep 05 - 11:08 AM

If the supplier will ship it VAT free you pay here, if they can not you may end up paying twice and having to reclaim one. You will probably also have to pay a 10% import surcharge on the total price. However do check because all I've ever imported was a car and the rules are sure to be different.
Giok