Importing from china, do I need to be a registered business?

[Archatype]

Here's a quick one for you guys.

I want to import from china some goods (office supplies etc.) to the value of around £2000 BUT I don't have an ltd yet or sole trader registration going on. I would like to know the following as the HMRC site confused me. Do I HAVE TO be a registered business with HMRC to import this shipment or any sizeable shipment ? why can't it just be on my name just like when I order personal items? after all ill be paying the same duties? I obviously don't want hassle with customs and the goods getting stopped.

If you can enlighten me please folks!

 

[MOIC]

Just apply for an EORI number and you should be good to go.

Get an EORI number

Apply to get an EORI number to move goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man, and other countries.

www.gov.uk

 

[Nebula-intl]

Hey I am trading company. How would you manage the shipping? For 2K GBP goods you can use UPS and once it arrives in UK, the courier will instruct you for clearance I guess? I used to have some personal buyers and everything they just received call from UPS and clear customs as instructed. Not sure if my reply helps...

 

[WaveJumper]

Is China actually the best place to source office supplies, have to run all your numbers properly to make sure its actually worth it

 

[Import Expert]

If they are for your personal use you won't need an EORI, however if they are for business use you will. EORI application procedure is quick and easy (and free). However if not VAT registered you will not be able to reclaim any import VAT paid.

 

[DontAsk]

I have an EORI but many suppliers do not ask for it.

 

[DoolallyTap]

I buy on Alibaba with no registration or anything else. You place your order, pay and goods get delivered, as long as you are using a trussed supplier. Fed EX DHL UPS all charge import duty VAT and other fees. Use YUN Express if possible, and nothing extra is charged. Maximum parcel weight 20 kilos.
You don't need any sort of shipping company.
I wonder what office supplies you need to buy from china??

 

[Customs Geek]

I have an EORI but many suppliers do not ask for it.

An EORI is a UK importer registration so it’s not something an overseas supplier would request . They don’t need it, but if goods are coming by courier then you may want to request that your supplier quotes your EORI so the courier company can use it on the import declaration.

 

[Archatype]

But what if you are getting the stuff imported by sea freight? does this necessary mean its for business use? How do customs know if its for personal or business use? Could the give me trouble by thinking "hhmm, this is too much for personal usage, lets halt this shipment".

The goal is to import with as little hassle as possible and then I will decide what to do with the stock as it is not yet certain whether goods will be sold within the UK or not but the manufacturing process will finish in the UK.

 

[paulears]

Shipping via UPS or Fedex is just you ordering, paying and them sending. In the absence of any other status documentation, UPS, for example contact you and charge you the VAT and their fees, which you pay and the goods just arrive. Shipping means using real importers - the different systems for doing it, and of course getting it through customs and onwards delivery to you. I doubt an individual would find it simple to provide what the freight forwarders ask for. Possible, but getting it wrong is painful.

 

[Customs Geek]

But what if you are getting the stuff imported by sea freight? does this necessary mean its for business use? How do customs know if its for personal or business use? Could the give me trouble by thinking "hhmm, this is too much for personal usage, lets halt this shipment".

The goal is to import with as little hassle as possible and then I will decide what to do with the stock as it is not yet certain whether goods will be sold within the UK or not but the manufacturing process will finish in the UK.

As paulears says importing via sea freight means that the normal import procures are used with a formal customs declaration required. Most people choose to use a freight forwarder / customs agent to do this for them. It is usually the importer’s responsibility to appoint a customs agent and provide them with details such as the invoice and details of the goods being imported.
The process is exactly the same whether you are a company or individual importing. an EORI number is required if it’s for business use. An individual does not require one.
Duty and taxes due will be the same irrespective of whether you are importing goods to sell on or not.

 

[japancool]

ut what if you are getting the stuff imported by sea freight? does this necessary mean its for business use? How do customs know if its for personal or business use? Could the give me trouble by thinking "hhmm, this is too much for personal usage, lets halt this shipment".

People tend not to import £2000 of office supplies for personal use.

 

[Archatype]

People tend not to import £2000 of office supplies for personal use.

Does it make a difference though in the eyes of the tax max/customs? since you will pay your duties anyway?

 

[Customs Geek]

Does it make a difference though in the eyes of the tax max/customs? since you will pay your duties anyway?

Not from a customs import perspective but if you are trading as a business then Yes it makes a difference. You may find it more difficult to treat the purchase as a business expense If you have imported the goods as a private individual.
You're a business if you are buying things to sell for a profit or charging for a service or something you have made. There is no need to formally register as a business until your turnover is more than £1000 in a tax year.
Just get a EORI to be on the safe side. Registering for an EORI is easy and takes 5 minutes provided you know your name and address.

 

[japancool]

provided you know your name and address.

?

 

[paulears]

Not a single overseas or UK company has every asked for my EORI number - ever!