Advice needed! Hidden costs importing from China

[Kindred Victoria]

Hello,

We have bought the machine from China and we supposed that there will be just additional Сustoms fees (2.7% import tariff for those kind machinery and 20% of regular custom fees, kind of VAT).

Anyway, the company agent has invoiced us £800 on top of that.
£200 is for delivery to the door and we can exclude that, if we want to deliver the machine on our own (basically we wanted to do so).

And the rest £ 610 is the “compulsory payment”, that includes:

Terminal Handling - £101.04
Delivery Order - £100.00
China Import Svc - Charge £171.00
Temp ROE Differential - £93.27
Infrastructure Fee - £5.50
Customs Clearance - £140.00

So the question is if all the above are normal rate, and we have to pay it, or the agent just tries to make some money?
Can we choose another agent just one day before the container arrives or this is the agreement between shipping side and local agency and cannot be cancelled?

 

[MOIC]

What were the terms of payment agreed with the supplier?

 

[GraemeL]

It all sounds quite odd to me. I see you make metal signs, so I guess this machine is a one-off import and you wont be a regular importer. My Office In China may be able to help/advise you.

As you have learned, when importing its best to do your homework before ordering. Buy FOB and use a UK based freight forwarder.

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

You have fallen into the trap of allowing the Chinese supplier to make the shipping arrangements. We ALWAYS advise buying goods from China on FOB terms. Unfortunately the agent has you over a barrel and you will end up paying these charges. Having said that, we would be able to arrange the customs clearance for you at a much lower price. If this would be of interest, please send me a DM and we can discuss further.

Glen

 

[Kindred Victoria]

Thank you guys! There were no terms or agreements, we've just paid $600 for the delivery to the Felixstowe. Machine will arrive into the port on 17th of Feb, due to the weather conditions, so maybe we will have some additional time?