Importing from Germany...

[jamesmd]

What are the main things I need to be aware of? It will only be a small amount to begin with (about €300 for the first three months, then rising)

 

[a1anm]

What are the main things I need to be aware of? It will only be a small amount to begin with (about €300 for the first three months, then rising)

I far as I know you don't have anything to worry about. There will be no import duties/tax when importing from the EU.

 

[kordun]

Nothing to worry, just buy it and no tax or duty to pay. I ordered few times from Germany each order about £500. 2 days later arrived to my home with DHL

 

[Dollybean]

Our German suppliers are great - very efficient. In fact all our European suppliers make the majority of our UK suppliers look shabby by comparison.

 

[YoungMoneyChina]

As above, no vat or duty.

I used to buy bicycles from Germany, after about 6 months I began buying them direct from the factory in Taiwan. This ended up being more headache than it was worth so I switched back to buying fom the German warehouse.

Good luck.

 

[JamieM]

As above, no vat or duty.

I used to buy bicycles from Germany, after about 6 months I began buying them direct from the factory in Taiwan. This ended up being more headache than it was worth so I switched back to buying fom the German warehouse.

Good luck.

There is VAT. (if it's a rateable product)

OP, if are you not VAT registered you pay VAT at the German rate. If you are VAT registered you submit your VAT number to the supplier and ask them to zero rate the VAT.

 

[jamesmd]

Can you register for VAT at any time, or do you have to actually project revenues above threshold?

 

[a1anm]

Can you register for VAT at any time, or do you have to actually project revenues above threshold?

I believe you can register at any time. You have to remember that you will then need to add 20% VAT to everything you sell so it's not always the best option.

Once your turnover reaches a certain amount (£68,000?) you are required to register.

 

[JamieM]

Can you register for VAT at any time, or do you have to actually project revenues above threshold?

You can register voluntarily at any time. It's only really worth it if you are selling (primarily) business to business though.

Once your turnover reaches a certain amount (£68,000?) you are required to register.

Threshold is £73,000 at the moment.

 

[jamesmd]

Awesome, thanks. Think I'll stay away from VAT until/if ever I have to.