Buying from China

[Kezza]

Hi I’m a total newbie!
I want to purchase a machine from China on DHgate and unsure of customs etc and whether to trust the seller
Can anyone offer any advice

Thank you

 

[GraemeL]

Hi I’m a total newbie!
I want to purchase a machine from China on DHgate and unsure of customs etc and whether to trust the seller
Can anyone offer any advice

Thank

Hello @Kezza

Whats the degree of risk :-
One off order or first order of many?
Value of item?
If it arrives and is not what you wanted, what issues are caused?

Generally I would always say you should use an agent who can visit factory personally, but if its just $100 its not worth it.

 

[Kezza]

Hello @Kezza

Whats the degree of risk :-
One off order or first order of many?
Value of item?
If it arrives and is not what you wanted, what issues are caused?

Generally I would always say you should use an agent who can visit factory personally, but if its just $100 its not worth it.

Hi

It is a probable one off order but for £1000
It’s the customs stuff I also don’t know how to do it!

 

[Customs Geek]

Hi

It is a probable one off order but for £1000
It’s the customs stuff I also don’t know how to do it!

You need to understand all the possible charges for a one off shipment . You may find it is cheaper to source in the UK.

There will be shipment costs plus customs charges and customs clearance costs. As a one off customer you won’t have any room for negotiation .
Hopefully the seller will sort the Chinese Customs export procedures. They may even sort shipping and possibly UK duties.
Be careful if they offer delivered duty paid to make sure they are sorting out everything. There are many threads on here where people have been caught out with unexpected delays and costs as many Chinese sellers are not familiar with uk customs rules.

In terms of uk customs there will be 20 % import VAT plus the customs duty which will vary depending on the goods type. You need to look up the goods type in the tariff.
There is also a duty calculator once you find the code applicable to your goods.
www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

I strongly suggest you use a customs agent to help with clearance as anything coming In freight won’t necessarily be cleared by the carrier. There isn’t really an option for you to do yourself.

There is step by step customs import guide here.
www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk

If it’s a small machine coming in by courier company they usually handle all customs matters.

 

[MOIC]

Make sure it's UKCA certified.

What happens if it needs servicing, or spare parts?

Given current shipping costs, it may be worth spending a bit extra and buy locally in the UK, with a warranty and service backup.

 

[anson_kingson]

Hi I’m a total newbie!
I want to purchase a machine from China on DHgate and unsure of customs etc and whether to trust the seller
Can anyone offer any advice

Thank you

Hi Kezza,

I could help you to invest background of this company and I could go there to make inspection for you,that's also what I do for my client from USA.Thanks.

Brgs
Anson