Import from china as private person ?

[jackpot30]

hope somebody can help me im just about to import some goods from china im not a trade im not running any business basically this stuff is for some of my relatives in other country and work alot cheaper to import to uk and then just deliver to other country eu country chinese seller will arrange all freight inspection of goods in China ETC question can i import anything and pay duty in uk even i dont run any business ? do i need any representative in uk like broker goods worth not more then 1500 dollars also they not branded items fakes ETC , Chinese seller will send bill of loading document to me to take items from my port is that enough can anyone help me as im absolutley new to import many thanks

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Speak to HMRC?

 

[MASSEY]

from small research as im tinkering with importing from china, if you employ freight forwarding companies they take care of it for you, i will probably try and sort it out myself tho to save £

 

[jackpot30]

thats what i think to do chinesse seller will sort most out i just need pickup from port im not to sure about duty tax in uk do i need to do anythink or they just tell me how much i need to pay

 

[worthwhile]

why is it cheaper to come via the UK?? surely two sets of shipping/delivery costs negate any saving by sending here rather than direct?

 

[phenoptix]

You'll need what was called a Traders Unique Reference Number, it has a new name now but is essentially the same thing, ask about TURNS with HMRC and they'll know what you're on about and tell you the new name. With this your carrier, although I'd advise using your suppliers carrier as the Chinese get great rates, will be able to calculate the duty from the invoice value. In my case they just stick VAT on it and a fee for their troubles, usually an extra 10-20 quid.

 

[skyhi2]

What is the weight of the goods ?

Skyhi2.

 

[jackpot30]

hi weigt is approx 300 kg
regards

 

[Simon12]

Unless you are saving over £1500 I wouldn't bother. I believe but am not 100% that if you are a private individual HMRC can charge VAT on what they consider to be the full retail value of the goods not your cost price. Also 300Kg is not an economical weight to ship by air or sea I would guess £1500 air or £500 by sea (as there are alot of fixed handling charges by sea an extra 700kg would only be £100-200 more). If you go for air just ask the supplier to quote for UPS TNT or similar (make sure its a door to door service) and it should be fairly strait forward.