Importing beads from china?

[sarahLiz]

Hi.
I recently ordered some glass beads from a company in China, only a small amount, less than £50 worth in fact. I paid in full for my purchase and courier costs. After receiving them I got an invoice through the post from Fed ex, The courier who brought them over, for duty/ taxes charges. When I researched import charges I could find out very little about it, but one import duty website said that there is no import duty on beads of a value less than £135 so I was very surprised to receive this invoice. Can anybody tell me if this charge is legitimate and if there is anything I can do about it?
If it is legit. should I want to import beads again then does anyone know if there is another way of sorting out duty charges without involving the courier because their admin. charge was higher than the alleged duty charge?
Would be very grateful if anybody could give me any advice on this matter.:|:|:|

 

[titanicuk]

The money might just be charges for Fedex not duty.
Next time justs send it by EMS.

 

[sarahLiz]

Thank you. I'll look in to that.

 

[jacobc123]

A useful tool for the future is dutycalculator.com - it works out what the final cost will be when importing things.

Regards,

Jacob

 

[Daz]

If the products you import are classed as samples, ask the factory to declare "samples" on the package and documents, which means they become exempt from VAT and Duty. There is a upper limit of the total value of the products to be classed as exempt.

Also, consider setting up a deferred VAT account with HMRC, which means the collection of VAT and Duty passes from the domestic courier to yourself, therefore eliminating the couriers admin charge.

HMRC may request a guarantee from your bank.


Daz

 

[keytop]

Contact the FedEx for the matter.
Make it clear before you order the products again

I am Soros Chen from guangzhou,China.Our company work for several importers from Euro as their buying agent, Just like their "eyes" and "ears" in China.
Any related business problem or also need us to be your agent,PM or email me,Will try to give you some advice.

 

[scraju]

Hi Soros Chen

I am interested to import A4 80gsm A grade paper from China/Indonesia/Malaysia/Thailand.

I am not sure how to go ahead as I have been hearing people saying the suppliers in China often can be dodgy. Could you please advise me on this.
If you are a genuine company, I would like to do business with you.

Thanks

Rebeka

 

[banfa]

Rebeka,

Its best to find where in China your product is coming from, contact a few suppliers yourself and then hire a sourcing agency to look after your order. Otherwise you are correct, you run the risk of getting your fingers burnt with dodgy suppliers.

Richard

Banfa International Trading
Guangzhou, China