Import China to UK customs payment

[JasonIsMyName]

Would like some assistance have paid for a customised 4 post car ramp at 800Kg to be shipped to Felixstowe and de-vaned into the shippers UK local warehouse. Shipment was for £170 - Maybe that is too cheap, feeling nervous about being stung for a load more charges on UK side.

One are that they don’t appear to cover is customs clearance so I believe I need a customs agent. Where do I find reputable/economical options?

Note I’m an individual this is a one off import for own use at home.

Here’s my question to them.

8) Paperwork, Do you need any paperwork completed prior to goods being released? Goods need to be customs cleared before release but no paperwork needs to be provided

 

[MOIC]

You will be ‘stung’ for costs, once the shipment arrives in UK. Contact your supplier and ask them to supply the UK forwarding agent that will be handling the shipment (their shipping agent will know) and ask the forwarders for a breakdown of anticipated costs including delivery to your door.

In any event they will contact you (the consignee) when the vessel your shipment is on is close to arriving at Felixstowe (or Southampton).

The £170 you paid is just for Ocean Freight. Expect this figure to quadruple (at least), by the time all costs are factored in, including delivery to your door.

In future use your own shipping agent (plenty around, including us) and request a landed cost, delivered to your door including all taxes and fees. This way you’ll know the costs involved prior to shipping.

 

[WaveJumper]

This is where you find I unless you have really done your home work on improving an item and taken into account all associated costs it turns out to be cheeper and less stressful buying in the UK, plus personally for me when I have a problem with an item I know I can take it back without any major issues.

 

[JasonIsMyName]

MOIC, having seen others Ive seen it suggested to engage a UK agent whilst shipping in progress to keep more control. Is that not a possibility?

WaveJumper; Personally have no issues buying from China or around the world, it’s simply that the size of the item on this occasion has meant shipping and not using a courier that is where things get complicated.

After this initial experience I’m sure can figure out how to do it properly.

 

[Deleted member 351022]

MOIC, having seen others Ive seen it suggested to engage a UK agent whilst shipping in progress to keep more control. Is that not a possibility?

Yes you would be best to engage a UK clearance agent as soon as possible to avoid any delays on arrival. They can even prepare the declaration in advance of the goods arrival.
A good agent will also help you through the process and make sure duties and taxes are paid on you behalf.
its recommended you engage someone at the port of arrival so you should be able to find a local customs agent . An online search should be easy enough.
HMRc also publish a list on the .gov website- list-of-customs-agents-and-fast-parcel-operators.

 

[MOIC]

MOIC, having seen others Ive seen it suggested to engage a UK agent whilst shipping in progress to keep more control. Is that not a possibility?

Get quotes from both and ask for timelines and costs landed to your door.

That's the only way you'll know who is best for you.

You may want a cheap price, quicker timelines or a balance of both. All quotes will differ.

 

[MOIC]

This is where you find I unless you have really done your home work on improving an item and taken into account all associated costs it turns out to be cheeper and less stressful buying in the UK, plus personally for me when I have a problem with an item I know I can take it back without any major issues.

When it comes to a one-off, especially machinery, always buy from the UK. You'll get a back-up service which is the most important factor to take into consideration.